Witness links Chimombe, Mpofu to US$7m goats case

Source: Witness links Chimombe, Mpofu to US$7m goats case – herald

Fidelis Munyoro-Chief Court Reporter

A SENIOR Government official testified yesterday, presenting evidence linking business associates Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu to the tender document that is central to the US$7 million goats fraud case.

The document is tied to the Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme, awarded to Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming.

Former director for livestock development Mr Alban Mhindurwa narrated his interactions with the accused, detailing how Mpofu approached him about the tender after the concept note for the scheme had been approved.

Mr Mhindurwa explained that his involvement ended with producing the concept note and directing Mpofu to the procurement management unit.

He said Mpofu later confirmed via WhatsApp that his company had secured the tender.

Mr Mhindurwa testified that Mpofu requested a meeting in February 2022, stating they were mobilising goats.

In March 2022, Mpofu and Chimombe visited Mhindurwa’s office, where they were advised that distribution could only begin after the President launched the scheme.

Mr Mhindurwa provided guidelines for goat mobilisation and emphasised the importance of maintaining a ratio of one buck to 20 does.

Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd project coordinator Mr Gift Matiza provided updates on progress, reporting the collection of 31 000 does and 1 500 bucks, which fell short of the required number.

Suspicions arose, prompting the ministry to conduct verification exercises at holding sites. Reports revealed only 3 713 goats were present at the sites, far below the expected number.

After the scheme’s national launch, a second verification was ordered, but yielded no clarity, as Mpofu claimed the goats were with multiple agents.

A meeting followed, attended by Mr Mhindurwa, Mpofu, Chimombe and other ministry officials.

The meeting failed to provide conclusive answers about the goats’ whereabouts and Mpofu requested a meeting with the permanent secretary.

They left and did not return, said the witness.

In September 2022, Blackdeck wrote to the permanent secretary citing challenges in conducting the exercise. Reports from provinces later indicated a halt in goat deliveries.

Mr Mhindurwa contacted Mpofu, who confirmed the suspension. He informed his superiors and produced a report in December, showing only 4 208 goats had been supplied at a cost of US$331 445.

Blackdeck was requested to resume deliveries without legal action, but by January 2023, Mr Mhindurwa had been transferred to another department.

Under cross-examination by Mpofu’s lawyer, Mr John Koto, Mr Mhindurwa denied involvement in the tender process or payment transactions.

He clarified that his role was limited to receiving goats and reporting on the company’s performance.

Professor Lovemore Madhuku, representing Chimombe, questioned Mr Mhindurwa on inconsistencies in his testimony.

He challenged claims that Chimombe attended three meetings, pointing out that court records only included minutes for one meeting.

Confronted with this, Mr Mhindurwa conceded. He admitted he could not confirm Chimombe’s involvement in the meeting’s draft or its endorsement.

The prosecution aims to link Mpofu and Chimombe to the tender document.

The defence disputes this, focusing on allegations of forgery involving a ZIMRA tax clearance certificate and a National Social Security Authority compliance certificate.

The tender document submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, is pivotal to the scheme to supply 632 001 goats in an US$87,7 million project.