The High Court has rejected an appeal application filed by jailed businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, upholding their convictions for defrauding the Government of more than US$7 million.
In a judgment delivered today, Justice Pisirayi Kwenda ruled that the trial court had properly applied sentencing guidelines and that there was no basis to interfere with the convictions or the penalties imposed. The judge noted that any possible irregularities during the proceedings had, in fact, worked in favour of the accused rather than prejudicing them.
Justice Kwenda confirmed that both applications for leave to appeal were dismissed. He further observed that the State had accepted the sentences handed down by the lower court.
Mpofu and Chimombe are currently serving prison terms of 17 and 12 years respectively for their involvement in the fraudulent Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. The scheme, which was intended to benefit communities, became the subject of national scrutiny after investigations revealed significant financial irregularities.
The High Court’s decision effectively closes the door on their immediate bid to challenge the convictions, reinforcing the sentences previously imposed and marking another chapter in one of the country’s high-profile corruption cases.
