In a landmark judgment, Justice Kwenda handed down prison sentences to business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu for their roles in a high-profile goat tender scam.
The duo was convicted of defrauding the government $7.3 million in a botched tender to supply goats under the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
Mike Chimombe was sentenced to 17 years, with 3 years suspended. Two years will be further suspended if he restitutes $964,024, leaving him to serve 12 years in prison.
Moses Mpofu received a 22-year prison sentence, with 3 years conditionally suspended. Of the remaining 19 years, 4 years will be suspended on condition he repays the money, leaving him an effective 15-year sentence.
The court heard that the duo used falsified documents to secure the tender, causing a significant loss to the government. The State had pushed for a 35-year sentence, citing the seriousness of the crime and the need to send a strong message to deter others.
The sentencing marks a significant victory in the fight against corruption in Zimbabwe, sending a clear message that those who engage in such activities will face the full force of the law.
