US$ 7 million lost in goat tender involving businessmen Chimombe, Mpofu.

ALL DETAILS:

Accusation: Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu accused of defrauding the Government of US$7 million meant for the Presidential Goat Scheme.

Current Status: Both to remain in remand prison over the weekend; bail ruling deferred to Monday.

Alleged Crime:

1. Failed to supply goats after receiving full payment.
2. Forged ZIMRA tax clearance and NSSA compliance certificates.
3. Misrepresented company compliance to win the tender.

Company Details:

1. Tender granted to Blackdeck Poultry and Livestock Farming, not Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd.
2. Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd deregistered from NSSA in January 2016.
3. Blackdeck (Pvt) Ltd not issued a ZIMRA tax clearance for 2021.

Contract Details:

1. Ministry of Agriculture contract signed on November 16, 2021, for 632,001 goats worth US$87,757,168.
2. Ministry paid Blackdeck ZWL$1.6 billion (US$7,712,197 at the time).

Outcome:

1. Duo only supplied 4,208 goats valued at US$331,445.
2. Converted US$7,380,751 for personal use. No recovery of the converted funds.

Public Concern:
Goats meant to benefit less privileged people in Zimbabwe.

Source : Operation Restore Legacy