In a dramatic turn of events, self-styled prophet Passion Java has filed fraud charges against businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, both of whom are linked to Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party. The charges stem from a high-stakes tender deal involving the Harare City Council for streetlight rehabilitation, worth an estimated US$9 million.
According to Java, Mpofu and Chimombe won the tender through the use of false documentation. Java alleges that he was defrauded of US$300,000 after being enticed by the two businessmen to invest in the deal via their company, Juluka Projects and Plant Hire. Java, upon his return from South Africa, lodged a formal complaint against Mpofu and Chimombe, accusing them of being aware of the fraudulent nature of their tender acquisition.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has since launched an investigation into the matter. They allege that Mpofu and Chimombe misrepresented their compliance with procurement regulations, including submitting a fraudulent financial report to secure the tender. This development adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding the two businessmen.
Mpofu and Chimombe are already facing serious charges related to a separate case involving a botched presidential goat scheme. They are accused of defrauding the state of over US$7 million by forging tax and compliance certificates for a Lands Ministry tender. This fraudulent scheme resulted in the state paying ZWL1.6 billion (approximately US$7.7 million) for goats that were largely not delivered.
The trial for the goat scheme fraud is scheduled to commence on October 1 at the High Court, where Mpofu and Chimombe will face scrutiny over their alleged misdeeds.
The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings highlight a broader issue of corruption and fraud within Zimbabwe, especially involving high-profile figures linked to the ruling party. The outcomes of these cases are keenly awaited, as they may have significant implications for the country’s political and economic landscape.
In other news – Pastor Mboro’s bail hearing delayed until Monday
Pastor Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng, along with his son and bodyguard, is set to spend another weekend behind bars as their bail application has been postponed to August 19. The delay follows their recent arrest after a disturbing video surfaced showing them allegedly threatening teachers with a panga and a rifle at a primary school in Katlehong.
Motsoeneng and his co-accused are facing a range of serious charges, including kidnapping, assault, and the discharge of a firearm in a built-up area. Read More