Two Zimbabwean businessmen, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, are embroiled in a scandal involving an $88 million tender meant for a presidential goat scheme. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has launched an investigation, revealing that the funds were diverted for personal use.
The duo secured the tender through an unregistered company, Blackdeck Livestock, and Poultry Farming, according to a Zacc update dated June 7, 2024. Instead of delivering the promised goats, they allegedly purchased luxury houses and vehicles with the money.
Zacc’s investigation suggests Chimombe and Mpofu could face charges under section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for theft of trust property, and section 8(2) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
On November 16, 2021, the Zimbabwean government, represented by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, signed a contract with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming for the supply of 632,000 goats over five years. The contract was valued at nearly $88 million.
Investigations revealed that Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming is not registered in Zimbabwe. Instead, a company named Blackdeck Private Limited, registered in 2015 is associated with directors Moses Mpofu and Phinas Hazvineyi Kabisira. The Ministry of Lands made an advance payment of 30% to this company to procure the goats.
On April 21, 2022, and June 29, 2022, the Ministry of Lands transferred a total of ZWL$1.6 billion (approximately $7.7 million) into Blackdeck’s bank account. Additionally, the Treasury advanced $40 million to Chimombe and Mpofu for the scheme. These funds were meant to support underprivileged households across Zimbabwe as part of the President’s initiative launched in 2022. The project aimed to distribute 632,000 goats with improved genetics to youth, women, and vulnerable populations under the government’s Rural Development 8.0 initiative, aligning with Zimbabwe’s vision to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
However, Zacc’s report alleges that the businessmen failed to deliver the goats as agreed and misused the funds for personal gains. This scandal has added to the duo’s legal troubles, as they are also implicated in a separate case involving a $40 million tender for electoral materials, allegedly obtained corruptly alongside convicted criminal Wicknell Chivayo.
Zacc has indicated plans to interview Chivayo, Chimombe, and Mpofu regarding these allegations of money laundering. Efforts to reach Chimombe and Mpofu for comment were unsuccessful, as their lawyers from Antonio and Dzvetero Legal Practitioners stated they were out of the country.
This scandal highlights the challenges Zimbabwe faces in tackling corruption and ensuring the proper use of public funds. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in restoring public trust and holding those responsible accountable.
Source: Newsday
