THE prosecution is proposing a 35-year prison term for business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, who have been convicted of fraud linked to the Presidential Goat Scheme.
Sentencing is set for Monday.
The two were found guilty of using forged documents to secure a tender to supply 632 001 goats under a Government livestock pass-on scheme valued at US$87 757,16.Convicted Moguls Plead for Leniency: Chimombe and Mpofu Boast 24 Children, US$3 Million Combined Wealth as State Pushes for 35-Year Jail Term
Harare — In an extraordinary pre-sentencing spectacle that stretched late into the night, convicted businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu painted a picture of vast family responsibilities, personal misfortunes, and once-thriving business empires — all in a desperate bid to avoid spending decades behind bars.The pair, found guilty in October for their role in a corruption scandal that crippled the Presidential Goat Scheme and prejudiced the State of US$7.38 million, told Justice Pisirayi Kwenda yesterday that imprisoning them for long periods would devastate their families and enterprises.
A Football-Team Worth of Children
Between them, Chimombe and Mpofu said they have 24 children — enough to field two football teams, complete with substitutes.
• Chimombe, who has three wives and 15 minor children, insisted all depend on him “for everything they need in their lives.”
• Mpofu said he has nine children, aged between six and 25.
The two argued that their parental obligations alone should persuade the court to consider significantly shorter sentences.
A Combined Net Worth of US$3 MillionChimombe declared that his net worth stands at about US$1.5 million, built through politics and business ventures despite only reaching O-Level before leaving school. He revealed that he once earned US$15,000–US$20,000 per month and owns:
• A US$800,000 home in Borrowdale
• A US$120,000 property in Chinhoyi
He also cited health challenges, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Mpofu claimed his own net worth is also around US$1.5 million, earning US$10,000–US$15,000 monthly from farming and unnamed business ventures.
“I Apologise to the President and the People of Zimbabwe” — Mpofu
In a rare moment of remorse, Mpofu State recommended a sentence up to 35 years, citing the statutory maximum.
A National Project Left in Ruins
The Government allocated ZWL 1.6 billion (about US$7.71 million) for procurement and delivery of goats meant to uplift communities nationwide.
But by the end of 2022, the contractors had delivered only:
• 4,208 goats, valued at US$331,445
• Shortfall: 103,382 goats
• Outstanding value: US$7.38 million
Operations were then abruptly suspended.
Sentencing Imminent
Justice Kwenda is now tasked with weighing the businessmen’s family obligations and health concerns against the magnitude of public loss and their failure to make restitution.
The sentencing is expected to set a precedent — either a stern warning to corrupt contractors or evidence that personal circumstances can still sway the bench in cases involving
