Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu Face 20 Years in Jail Over US$7 Million Fraud Charges
Prominent businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu are staring at the possibility of a 20-year prison sentence if found guilty of fraud charges. The duo, who have spent over six months in remand prison, are accused of defrauding the government of a staggering US$7 million.
Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu Face 20 Years in Jail
Their legal woes deepened after Justice Pisirayi Kwenda denied their latest bail application, citing unchanged circumstances that could lead them to flee or interfere with witnesses. Despite their not-guilty pleas and a strong push for release, Justice Kwenda dismissed the application, reinforcing the earlier magistrate court’s concerns.
In his ruling, Justice Kwenda highlighted that Chimombe and Mpofu’s financial clout creates potential flight risks for them. He noted:
“I, therefore, find that two of the compelling reasons found by the magistrate, which are a likelihood that Chimombe and Mpofu might not stand trial or are likely to interfere with State witnesses, still persist. As a result, their application for bail may not succeed. I therefore dismiss it.”
Also read: Wicknell Chivayo Mocks Chimombe and Mpofu While Addressing His Involvement in Their Arrests
Chimombe and Mpofu Bail Denied Again
The businessmen’s defence, led by lawyer Mr Dzvetero, argued for changed circumstances to justify their release. However, the judge found no substantial evidence to support the claim.
“All bail matters are urgent but we took two full days arguing on the merits whether the two should be granted bail on changed circumstances or not. There were no compelling reasons or sound evidence to warrant the changed circumstances, the lead counsel, Mr Dzvetero, failed to convince me that Chimombe and Mpofu are true candidates for bail,” Justice Kwenda explained.
Chimombe and Mpofu Trial Date Set
Justice Kwenda deferred the trial to February 10, expressing confidence that the case could be wrapped up within five days if handled without interruptions.
“If approached in earnest, this trial can be concluded in five days and we hope to do so when we return in February. They gave a brave show of resistance when the trial began on October 1 and I hold nothing against them because they were exercising their Constitutional rights with the side shows,” the judge said.
