High Court Jails Mpofu and Chimombe Over US$7 Million Goat Scheme Fraud

High Court Justice Pisirayi Kwenda has handed down lengthy prison terms to businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe after the pair were convicted of defrauding the State of more than US$7 million under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.

Mpofu was sentenced to 22 years in prison, of which seven years were suspended—three on condition of good behaviour and four on condition that he restitutes part of the stolen funds. He will serve an effective 15 years.

Chimombe received a 17-year sentence, with five years suspended—three for good behaviour and two linked to restitution—leaving him with an effective 12 years behind bars.

The sentencing follows a protracted trial in which the National Prosecuting Authority proved that the two diverted funds meant for a nationwide livestock empowerment programme targeting vulnerable households.

Justice Kwenda said the sentences were meant to reflect the seriousness of the offence, highlighting the scale of prejudice suffered by the State and the impact on communities who were supposed to benefit from the scheme.

Meanwhile, Mpofu and Chimombe have formally notified the court of their intention to appeal both conviction and sentence, setting the stage for another legal battle.