The High Court pushed back its decision about accepting a key document into the goats fraud trial. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda will decide July 21 whether prosecutors can add the tender papers against Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu. Defense lawyers fought hard against bringing the document into court during the middle of proceedings. Both sides agreed to delay the case because of schedule problems and complex legal questions. The men face charges of stealing 7 million dollars from Zimbabwe's goat program.
Defense attorneys said prosecutors should have shared the tender document before trial started. Tapson Dzvetero argued his client Moses Mpofu asked for these papers months ago but never received them. Professor Lovemore Madhuku backed up these claims and said courts must follow proper rules. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi defended the timing and said judges need the document to deliver fair justice. The papers supposedly show how the men won a contract to supply over 632,000 goats worth 87.7 million dollars.
Defense teams might ask for bail again because circumstances changed during the delayed trial. Lawyers will talk with their clients about making another bail request. The case involves fake company Blackdeck Livestock that never really existed. Court hearings will restart after the judge makes his ruling about the disputed document. Both defendants remain locked up waiting for the legal decision.
Defense attorneys said prosecutors should have shared the tender document before trial started. Tapson Dzvetero argued his client Moses Mpofu asked for these papers months ago but never received them. Professor Lovemore Madhuku backed up these claims and said courts must follow proper rules. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi defended the timing and said judges need the document to deliver fair justice. The papers supposedly show how the men won a contract to supply over 632,000 goats worth 87.7 million dollars.
Defense teams might ask for bail again because circumstances changed during the delayed trial. Lawyers will talk with their clients about making another bail request. The case involves fake company Blackdeck Livestock that never really existed. Court hearings will restart after the judge makes his ruling about the disputed document. Both defendants remain locked up waiting for the legal decision.
