ZACC investigator unavailable for Mike Chimombe an...

ZACC investigator unavailable for Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu

Zim Now Writer

Businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, implicated in a massive US$88 million corruption scandal involving the Presidential Goats Scheme, have surrendered themselves to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to cooperate with investigations.

But however the ZACC investigating officer was not available and the duo was told that they were free to go and would be contacted in due course, according to their lawyer.

“We have presented our clients to ZACC, and they have promised to contact us when needed. They are willing to assist with the investigation,” said their lawyer Tapson Dzvetero.

Dzvetero said the two are willing to assist the state with investigation and would avail themselves to ZACC when summoned, as long as they are in the country.

A memo from ZACC, dated June 7, 2024, alleges that Mpofu and Chimombe allegedly siphoned off US$40 million meant for the Presidential Goats Scheme to purchase luxurious houses and vehicles instead of supplying goats to underprivileged households.

The memo revealed that the Government of Zimbabwe entered into a contract with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, represented by Moses Mpofu, on November 16, 2021, to supply and deliver 632,001 goats worth US$87,757,168.00 over five years. However, investigations revealed that Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming is not a registered company in Zimbabwe, and the funds were transferred into the account of Blackdeck Private Limited, which is registered with two directors, Moses Mpofu and Phinas Hazvineyi Kabisira.

The Ministry of Lands transferred a total of ZWL1.6 billion (US$7,712,197.10) into Blackdeck's CABS bank account in two installments. Mpofu and Chimombe face charges of theft of trust property and money laundering, and the investigation team has gathered evidence detailing their alleged crimes.

ZACC Chairman Michael Reza assured the public that the commission has gathered strong evidence and will leave no stone unturned in the investigation, promising that there will be no "sacred cows" in the process. Reza revealed that the commission has collected documents and facts that will be presented in court, stating that ZACC is not toothless and will pursue the suspects if they fail to cooperate.

"We know they have their rights, but we have our time limit. If they don't come, we will go after them," Reza vowed, emphasizing that ZACC is determined to bring the suspects to justice, ensuring that there are no "sacred cows" in the fight against corruption