KEY POINTS
- Mpofu denies Chimombe’s role in Blackdeck tender.
- Prosecution alleges forged documents in goats scheme.
- Chimombe set to testify in fraud trial.
Zimbabwean businessman Moses Mpofu has denied allegations linking his associate, Mike Chimombe, to the controversial US$87 million goats tender awarded to Blackdeck Private Limited, the company he owns.
Both men are accused of defrauding the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of more than US$7.7 million in a case tied to the Presidential Goats-Pass-On Scheme.
Mpofu insists Chimombe had no role
Under cross-examination, Mpofu said Chimombe had no involvement in Blackdeck’s bidding process. He explained that Chimombe’s company, Millyteck, submitted its own bid and was separate from Blackdeck.
Although Chimombe attended one meeting with the Ministry, Mpofu stressed that it was in his role as leader of the Economic Empowerment Group, not as a Blackdeck representative.
Subcontracting defended in goat supplies
Court records show that payments were made to Millyteck, but Mpofu argued they were legitimate subcontracting arrangements. He said Blackdeck brought in Millyteck and two other firms to supply goats, which was permitted by the Ministry.
The prosecution, however, alleges the pair forged ZIMRA tax clearance and NSSA compliance certificates to secure the lucrative contract.
Trial shifts to Chimombe’s testimony
Chimombe is expected to testify on Wednesday after dropping his earlier bid for a discharge. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda previously ruled that the State had presented a prima facie case requiring both defendants to mount a defence.
The prosecution says the project, meant to uplift rural communities. Instead became a channel for personal enrichment, with funds disbursed but goats left undelivered.
