Mpofu and Chimombe Jailed Over US$7.7 Million Goat Scheme Fraud; Court Orders Deterrent Sentences

Zimbabwean businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have been jailed for defrauding the US$7.7 million Presidential Goat Scheme (image source)

Harare — Business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have been handed lengthy prison terms after the High Court found them guilty of defrauding the government in the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, delivering only a small fraction of the livestock paid for in advance. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Monday, December 8, that Mpofu was sentenced to 22 years, with seven years suspended on conditions, leaving an effective 15-year jail term. Chimombe received 17 years, with five years suspended, resulting in an effective 12-year sentence.

According to the State, the pair used forged ZIMRA and NSSA compliance certificates belonging to Blackdeck Private Limited — a company deregistered in 2016 — to fraudulently secure a government tender worth US$87,757,168 over five years. On the basis of these falsified documents, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development released a deposit of ZWL1.6 billion, equivalent to US$7,712,797.10. After receiving the money, however, they delivered only 4,208 goats valued at US$331,445.25, leaving the State with an actual loss of US$7,380,751.85.

In its judgment, the High Court condemned the sophistication of the scam, the breach of public trust, and the targeting of a social-welfare programme meant to uplift rural communities. Prosecutors argued that the defendants engineered a scheme that diverted resources intended for vulnerable households, undermining food security and public confidence. The bench agreed, stressing that deterrent sentences were necessary in cases of corruption and tender fraud involving forged compliance documents and systematic deception.

Evidence presented during trial showed repeatedly missed delivery timelines and livestock quantities that bore no reasonable relation to the advance payment. The court cited aggravating factors such as premeditation, use of forged certificates, and persistent non-performance after receiving funds. Mitigating claims were rejected, with the judge emphasising the importance of restitution and the recovery of public money.

The NPA hailed the ruling as a milestone in accountability, urging ministries and agencies to strengthen due diligence when verifying tax and social-security compliance. Anti-corruption advocates called for routine cross-checks with ZIMRA and NSSA databases, real-time vendor vetting and phased payments tied strictly to verified deliveries. Rural-development specialists warned that the scandal had eroded trust in pass-on schemes and urged a relaunch grounded in tighter controls, independent audits and transparent district-level reporting.

Mpofu and Chimombe are expected to face civil recovery proceedings in addition to the criminal sanctions, with restitution forming part of the sentence structure. The case stands as a stark reminder that procurement fraud carries significant legal consequences and that safeguarding public funds is essential to restoring confidence in social programmes and the broader economy.