Convicted businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu yesterday pleaded for leniency in a dramatic pre-sentencing hearing, revealing that between them they have 24 children and a combined net worth of about US$3 million, as the State pushed for a 35-year jail term.
Chimombe, who has three wives and 15 children, told the court that all his children are still minors and depend entirely on him. Mpofu, with nine children, added that his own large family would suffer severely if he were jailed for an extended period.
In a humorous comparison to underline the size of their families, the pair noted that together they could field two full football teams made up entirely of their children with a substitute each.
Chimombe told the court he attained only O-Level education before venturing into politics and business. He said he previously earned between US$15,000 and US$20,000 per month, arguing that he had no reason to commit a crime of such magnitude. He also highlighted his health challenges, including diabetes and high blood pressure, as part of his mitigation.
Chimombe listed his assets as a US$800,000 house in Borrowdale and another property in Chinhoyi valued at US$120,000. Mpofu, on the other hand, estimated his personal net worth at US$1.5 million, saying he earned between US$10,000 and US$15,000 per month from farming and other undisclosed businesses.
Both men were convicted in October for their roles in a corruption scandal that crippled the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, prejudicing the Government of US$7.38 million. Although the Government allocated ZWL 1.6 billion (about US$7.71 million) for the procurement of goats, only 4,208 goats worth US$331,445 were delivered before the contractor abruptly suspended operations, leaving a staggering shortfall of more than 103,000 goats.
Mpofu apologised to President Mnangagwa, the nation and all stakeholders, admitting that he failed to verify key documents submitted by Blackdeck, the contractor entrusted with the scheme. “The papers were fraudulent and I stand in court today to admit that we failed on our part,” he said.
Chimombe also urged the court to consider the extent of his involvement, arguing that he was not the mastermind. Their lawyers pleaded for shorter sentences, citing their lengthy 18-month pre-incarceration period.
However, the State insisted the offence involved significant public funds and demanded a stiff penalty to deter future abuse of national programmes. Prosecutors argued that the two acted in common purpose and should receive equal punishment, noting that no restitution has been made to date.
