Chimombe, Mpofu under investigation for defeauding Presidential Goat Scheme
Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has released an update on the ongoing investigation into the Presidential Goat Scheme, revealing significant findings of alleged criminal activities involving two individuals, Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe.
According to a memorandum dated June 7, 2024, from Mr. Chapwanya and his team, the accused are charged under Section 113 and Section 8(2) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act. The investigation was initiated on May 23, 2024, to probe allegations that the accused misappropriated US$40 million provided by the Treasury for the supply and delivery of goats to underprivileged households across Zimbabwe.
Detailed Investigations
The investigation team, in response to the initial report, sent requests to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for details on the total amount of money released for the Presidential Goat Scheme. They also sought procurement records from the Ministry of Lands, including proof of payment and reconciliation of expenditures for the purchase of the goats.
Further, the team requested various company registration documents and bank searches related to Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, the company implicated in the scheme. A warrant for search and seizure was also obtained from the Provincial Magistrate at Rotten Row Court for a CABS bank account associated with Blackdeck.
Key Findings
The investigation revealed that on November 16, 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Lands, entered into a contract with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, represented by Moses Mpofu, for the supply of 632,001 goats valued at US$87,757,168.00 over five years.
However, it was discovered that Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming is not registered in Zimbabwe. Instead, Blackdeck Private Limited, registered on February 12, 2015, with Moses Mpofu and Phinas Hazvineyi Kabisira as directors, was involved.
The Ministry of Lands had agreed to make an advance payment of 30% towards the purchase of the goats. Subsequent investigations showed that the Ministry transferred ZWL$901,294,200.00 and ZWL$698,705,800.00 into Blackdeck’s bank account on April 21, 2022, and June 29, 2022, respectively. The total amount transferred to date is ZWL$1.6 billion (US$7,712,197.10 at the interbank rate).
Outstanding Issues
To reconcile the total number of goats delivered, the Ministry of Lands has indicated that the necessary documentation has been compiled and is awaiting the Permanent Secretary’s authorization for release by June 10, 2024. Additionally, a bank statement from CABS, detailing the funds for the goat purchases, is expected to be available the same day.
The ZACC continues to probe the alleged misappropriation of funds and promises further updates as the investigation progresses.
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