The long-awaited sentencing of businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu is finally moving forward, with the High Court directing that the process begin immediately, despite attempts by their legal team to postpone proceedings.
The two were recently found guilty of stealing US$7 million from the government’s Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, a project meant to empower rural farmers. Instead, the court ruled that Chimombe and Mpofu diverted the funds for personal use, leaving the national program in ruins.
Their lawyer, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, pleaded with the court to delay sentencing until a written judgment was provided, arguing that his clients needed it to prepare a full mitigation. But Justice Pisirayi Kwenda stood firm, saying the conviction had been clearly delivered in open court and there was no legal basis to halt the process.
With the defence out of options, the pair is now expected back in court on Wednesday for a full sentencing hearing. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi is pushing for a harsh penalty, citing massive financial prejudice to the State and the betrayal of public trust.
The case has sparked national outrage, with many Zimbabweans watching closely to see whether the courts will impose a punishment that reflects the scale of the corruption. As Wednesday approaches, all eyes remain on the High Court for what could become one of the most significant sentencing decisions of the year.
