Mpofu raises more stink in goat scandal, almost 10...

Mpofu raises more stink in goat scandal, almost 100% of disbursed funds covered logistics

US$4.3 million received
5000 out of 126 405 goats delivered
At average of $30 per goat only US$150 000 would have gone to stock with rest allegedly used for logistics
Mpofu exonerates Chimombe

Oscar T Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Scandal bedevilled Moses Mpofu has said only about 3.5% of the funds disbursed by government went into goat procurement in the Presidential Goats Scheme.

“Cumulatively total payments received amounted to RTGS 1 600 000 000.00 (One billion and six hundred million; approximately USD$4 282 885.45 at the interbank rate),” said Mpofu in a statement that also stated that 5000 goats were bought.

“The funds were used to cover the procurement of the goats, set up holding pens and goat centres, provide vaccination & general veterinary service to the goats, logistics to different provinces, security, feeding of the goats whilst in quarantine, tagging and salary and labour-related costs of the employees amongst many other costs and expenses,” the statement reads implying that logistics gobbled up almost 100 percent of the budget.

According to Blackdeck’s statement, the initial tender it won from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development the specified a total of 632 001 goats to be delivered in five years with 126 405 to be delivered in the first year.

On the 19th August 2022 Ministry cancelled its contract with Blackdeck in writing but Mpofu said the company went on to supply the 5000 goats.

He said negotiations over cancellation are ongoing, and Blackdeck remains committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations.

Mpofu also said Mike Chimombe was never linked to the US$88 million as he has never been involved with Blackdeck in any capacity.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission which has expressed interest in interviewing Mpofu and Chimombe over the goats supply tender seemed to back off earlier in the week when the pair visited the Commission’s office.

They were reportedly told that the investigator handling the case was not available and would contact them in due course.