The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that fraudsters Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu used fake NSSA compliance and ZIMRA Tax Clearance documents to secure a tender for supplying goats for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme. The duo falsely claimed to have secured 32,500 goats nationwide. However, when the Ministry of Agriculture verified the numbers, it found they only had 4,208 goats worth USD 331,445, leading to the contract’s cancellation. The two fraudulently obtained USD 7,380,751, none of which has been recovered.
It is deeply regrettable that Mpofu and Chimombe exploited the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme, which was designed to empower rural communities. This scheme, initiated by His Excellency the President, was meant to uplift the livelihoods of the rural population. For a Central Committee member of the ruling party to undermine such a significant program is an act of betrayal of the highest order.
Moreover, using the stolen funds to build mansions and purchase luxury cars, flaunting their wealth at the expense of poor rural folk, is an egregious act of cruelty.
The accused will have their day in court, as justice must be served. While they are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the evidence against them appears strong. The courts should consider denying bail to individuals who pose a flight risk, given the large sums involved and the severe impact of their alleged actions on the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
The Ministry of Agriculture deserves praise for mitigating losses from the USD 87 million contract by promptly canceling it upon discovering the fraud perpetrated by Chimombe and Mpofu.
