Mpofu, Chimombe Await Supreme Court Ruling on Appeal in US$7 Million Goats Scheme Fraud Case

Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe

HARARE – Jailed businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe are awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on whether they will be granted leave to appeal their convictions and sentences in a high-profile US$7 million fraud case linked to the Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme.

The pair appeared before George Chiweshe at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, where arguments for permission to appeal were heard. Justice Chiweshe reserved judgment, indicating that a ruling will be delivered after reviewing submissions from both parties.

Mpofu is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence, with 10 years suspended on condition that he repays US$2 million. Chimombe, on the other hand, was sentenced to 14 years, with part of his sentence suspended upon repayment of more than US$964,000.

Combined, the two face 33 years in prison if their appeal bid fails.

The convictions arise from their involvement in the Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme, a rural livestock empowerment programme aimed at boosting livelihoods. Prosecutors argued that the two businessmen defrauded millions of dollars through:

• Fake contracts

• Phantom beneficiaries

• Financial mismanagement

The scheme, designed to benefit rural communities, instead became the centre of one of Zimbabwe’s most closely followed corruption scandals.

The High Court had earlier dismissed their attempt to appeal, describing their arguments as “frivolous and vexatious,” effectively closing one legal avenue for the duo. Legal analyst Advocate Memory Ncube said the Supreme Court stage is critical.

“Leave to appeal is not automatic. The applicants must demonstrate that there are reasonable prospects of success or that there are compelling reasons for the appeal to be heard,” she said.

The Supreme Court will now determine whether Mpofu and Chimombe can proceed with a full appeal against both conviction and sentence. If leave is granted, the case will move to a substantive hearing where the merits of their conviction will be re-examined. If denied, the current sentences will stand.

The case has drawn national attention due to its links to a government-backed empowerment programme and concerns over accountability in public funds management. Anti-corruption expert Rejoice Ngwenya said the outcome could set an important precedent.

“This case speaks to the integrity of public programmes. A firm stance by the courts reinforces accountability and deters abuse of state resources,” he said.

With judgment now reserved, Mpofu and Chimombe remain behind bars as they await a decision that could determine whether they get another chance to challenge their convictions.

Mpofu Chimombe case