Chimombe ,Mpofu back in court over fresh corruption allegations

Zim Now Writer

Controversial businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have found themselves back in the spotlight after being arrested on fresh corruption charges. The duo, who are already facing allegations of defrauding the government of US$7 million in a botched Presidential Goat Scheme, are now accused of falsifying documents to secure a tender for the rehabilitation of street lights for Harare City Council.

 According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Chimombe and Mpofu, through their company Julia Enndo Joint Venture, submitted fraudulent documents to clinch the tender. The pair allegedly misrepresented their compliance with public procurement regulations by resubmitting a receipt previously used for the same tender, where their bid was unsuccessful.

 The arrest of the two comes as a fresh blow to the Harare City Council, which is already embroiled in a US$9.2 million fraud scandal involving several top officials, including Town Clerk Hosiah Chipanga. The accused are alleged to have colluded with the business partners to siphon off public funds.

 Chimombe and Mpofu are currently in custody for the goat scheme case, where they are accused of forging documents to secure the lucrative contract. They are expected to appear in court today to answer to the new charges.