ZACC investigates Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu in US$87 million Presidential Goats Scheme fraud

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE - The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has initiated an investigation into businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu over allegations of misappropriating funds from the $87 million Presidential Goats Scheme meant for underprivileged households.

On ZACC's most wanted list ... "Businessmen" Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe 

According to a leaked ZACC memo, Chimombe, President of the Economic Empowerment Group (EEG), and Mpofu are accused of violating Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act regarding theft of trust property and Section 8(2) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.

The memo details that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development paid Chimombe and Mpofu US$40 million to supply goats to support underprivileged communities. 

However, it is alleged that the two diverted the funds for personal use, purchasing luxury houses and vehicles instead of delivering the promised goats.

"Investigations that ensued established that on 16 November 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe represented by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development entered into a contract agreement with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming represented by Moses Mpofu valued at US$87,757,168.00 for the supply and delivery of 632,001 goats over five years," the memo reads.

Further investigations revealed discrepancies, including the non-existence of a registered company named Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming in Zimbabwe. 

Instead, Blackdeck Private Limited, registered on 12 February 2015, is the entity involved, with directors Moses Mpofu and Phinas Hazvineyi Kabisira.

The Ministry of Lands reportedly made advance payments totaling ZWL$1.6 billion (approximately US$7.7 million at the interbank rate) to Blackdeck's CABS bank account in April and June 2022. 

ZACC is now seeking a reconciliation of the total number of goats delivered so far and access to Blackdeck’s bank statements.

The Presidential Goats Scheme is an initiative aimed at empowering communities by distributing goats with improved genetics.

Each of Zimbabwe's 35,000 villages is to receive one male goat and 17 female goats, tagged for monitoring to ensure transparency. 

The program aims to support rural families by enhancing their livelihoods through meat, milk, and breeding opportunities.

The investigation remains ongoing as ZACC continues to gather evidence.