Supreme Court Dismisses Most Grounds in Chimombe and Mpofu's Appeal

On August 6, 2026, the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe delivered a judgment dismissing the majority of the grounds presented by businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe in their appeal against convictions and sentences related to the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme fraud.

Justices George Chiweshe, Susan Mavangira, and Hlekani Mwayera presided over the case, concluding that the appellants' challenges to the trial court's factual findings lacked merit. Consequently, the applications for leave to appeal on these grounds were denied.

However, the court acknowledged that certain grounds involving pure questions of law did not require leave to appeal. This decision allows Mpofu and Chimombe to proceed with their appeal on these specific legal points.

Previously, both individuals were convicted of fraud under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for misappropriating funds intended for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme. Mpofu received a 22-year prison sentence, with portions suspended under specific conditions, resulting in an effective 15-year term. Chimombe was sentenced to 17 years, with suspensions leading to an effective 12-year term.

The Supreme Court's ruling emphasizes the judiciary's commitment to upholding legal standards and ensuring that appeals are grounded in substantial legal arguments. The appellants now have the opportunity to challenge their convictions and sentences on the identified legal points, potentially influencing future interpretations of fraud-related offenses in Zimbabwe.