Convicted businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu will appeal their fraud conviction in the Supreme Court, according to their lawyer Ashley Mugiya. The announcement came shortly after the Harare High Court found the pair guilty on multiple counts of fraud linked to the failed Presidential Goat Scheme. The two men, detained since last year, remain in custody ahead of their sentencing on 31 October.
The case centred on a 2021 government contract awarded to their company, Blackdeck, to supply 600,000 goats for rural empowerment. Despite receiving ZW$1.9 billion in payments, equivalent to US$7.9 million at the time, the company delivered only 3,000 goats. Witness testimony revealed forged documents and misrepresented capabilities, prompting the ministry to demand restitution.
Justice Pisirayi Kwenda ruled that Chimombe and Mpofu had deliberately misled authorities and diverted public funds. The verdict concluded a lengthy and high-profile trial that has drawn national attention. Their legal team now prepares to challenge the ruling at the highest judicial level.
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