By Patience Gondo
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn its application to seize properties belonging to convicted businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, recently found guilty of defrauding Government of US$7 million under the Presidential Goat Scheme.
According to a withdrawal notice signed by Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudi, the move allows the Asset Forfeiture Unit to conduct further investigations before a new forfeiture application is made.
The decision comes ahead of a pre-sentencing hearing scheduled for November 14, with sentencing set for November 17.
The withdrawal follows Chimombe and Mpofu’s conviction last month on charges of fraud and money laundering linked to the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme a government initiative launched to empower rural communities through livestock distribution.
During trial, prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that the pair had used forged tax clearance and National Social Security Authority (NSSA) compliance certificates to secure a tender from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The contract, worth over US$7 million, required the supply of 632,001 goats for rural farmers across the country.
The court heard that Chimombe and Mpofu, through their company, supplied only 4,208 goats valued at US$331,445 despite receiving full payment. Bank records presented by the State showed that the accused diverted most of the funds into their personal and company accounts for private use.
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who presided over the case, ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and described the offence as a serious economic crime that prejudiced government efforts to improve rural livelihoods.
The NPA had initially sought to recover assets believed to have been acquired using proceeds of the fraud, including luxury vehicles and properties in Harare.
However, its latest withdrawal signals a change in approach, as investigators continue tracing the assets before renewing forfeiture proceedings.
The case, one of the most high profile corruption scandals involving public funds in recent years, has drawn national attention for exposing weaknesses in government tendering and monitoring processes.
Both Chimombe and Mpofu remain in custody as they await sentencing next week once investigatons are concluded.