By A Correspondent| Jailed fraud suspects Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have claimed that their constitutional rights have been violated and plan to raise this issue in court as their trial begins this Wednesday.

The two business partners stand accused of embezzling US$7 million in state funds through a failed government goats supply tender.

“Our clients’ constitutional rights have been violated left, right, and centre,” said their lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s court adjournment. He emphasized that his clients would not receive a fair trial under these circumstances, adding, “When rights are given, they ought to be enjoyed.”

Madhuku, who recently took over the case from lawyer Ashiel Mugiya, who represents Chimombe, asked for more time to familiarize himself with the case. Mpofu’s lawyer, Tapson Dzvetero, also voiced concerns about alleged constitutional violations, stating that the prosecution had not provided all the necessary information for the defence to adequately prepare for the trial.

“We are not ready to proceed. On September 20, we requested further particulars from the state, and while they did provide some, we still haven’t received everything,” Dzvetero said. He proposed a meeting between the defence and prosecution to agree on which documents could be shared before trial could commence. The prosecution, represented by Witness Mabhaudhi, agreed to the trial’s postponement.