https://www.zimeye.net/2025/11/03/%f0%9f%9f%a5-state-moves-to-seize-mpofu-and-chimombe-properties/

Woes continue to deepen for convicted businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, as the State has launched fresh legal action to seize their assets under Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act [Chapter 9:24].Tourism packages Zimbabwe

In a dramatic turn during their latest court appearance last Friday, prosecutors filed notice of intention to obtain a confiscation order in terms of Section 50(1) of the Act, which empowers the State to trace, freeze, and confiscate property acquired through criminal proceeds.

The duo—already found guilty of defrauding the government of US$7 million in the notorious goat tender scandal—were told that sentencing has been postponed to November 17, pending the outcome of the State’s confiscation application.

Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi confirmed that the application is ready but awaits the uploading of the written judgment before formal filing.

“Once the judgment is uploaded, then the State will file its application,” Mabhaudhi told the court.

Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who presided over the fraud trial, said the written judgments would be available by next Wednesday, paving the way for pre-sentencing proceedings on November 14.

Mpofu and Chimombe, who have been in remand prison for over a year, face a minimum 20-year jail term after the court ruled that they fraudulently obtained US$7.7 million from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture.

According to evidence presented by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the fraud stemmed from false documents submitted by their firm, Blackdeck Private Limited, during a September 2021 government tender for 632,001 goats worth US$87 million under the national livestock pass-on scheme.

Instead of executing the deal through the registered company, the accused signed the contract under Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming—an unregistered entity—with Mpofu posing as company representative and Chimombe as witness.

Investigations revealed that Blackdeck Private Limited lacked a valid ZIMRA tax clearance, and the QR code on its NSSA compliance certificate actually belonged to another firm, Skywalk Investments.

Based on these misrepresentations, the ministry paid out ZWL$1.6 billion (approximately US$7.7 million) in April and June 2022.

However, verification showed that of the 32,500 goats they claimed to have mobilised, only 3,713 could be accounted for.

“After the Ministry of Lands realised they were being deceived, the contract was cancelled on August 29, 2022,” the NPA said.

To date, only 4,208 goats worth US$331,445 have been delivered, leaving the State prejudiced of over US$7.3 million.

If granted, the confiscation order could see the State move in to recover property, vehicles, and other assets suspected to have been purchased using proceeds from the fraudulent contract.

Mpofu and Chimombe return to court on November 14 for pre-sentencing, with final sentencing set for November 17.