Defense lawyers for Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe protested when prosecutors tried to introduce new evidence during their fraud trial. The businessmen face charges of stealing 7 million dollars from government through a fake goats program. Attorney Tapson Dzvetero said his client received the bidding document just two days before court started. Three witnesses already testified without the defense seeing this important paperwork. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi wanted to submit the document during testimony from agriculture ministry worker Precious Isa.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku argued the late evidence violated his client's right to fair trial procedures. The defense lawyer accused the court of taking sides against the accused men. Madhuku refused to read the document because prosecutors failed to share it during case preparation. Judge Kwenda called the bidding papers essential to understanding the entire criminal case. The court must examine the tender documents to determine if fraud actually occurred.
Both defendants deny using fake company Blackdeck to win the goats contract from government officials. Mpofu and Chimombe remain locked up since police arrested them last June for the alleged scheme. The trial continues Friday with more witnesses expected to testify about the procurement process. Defense teams prepare new arguments about unfair evidence handling by prosecutors. Court officials must decide whether to allow the disputed document as evidence.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku argued the late evidence violated his client's right to fair trial procedures. The defense lawyer accused the court of taking sides against the accused men. Madhuku refused to read the document because prosecutors failed to share it during case preparation. Judge Kwenda called the bidding papers essential to understanding the entire criminal case. The court must examine the tender documents to determine if fraud actually occurred.
Both defendants deny using fake company Blackdeck to win the goats contract from government officials. Mpofu and Chimombe remain locked up since police arrested them last June for the alleged scheme. The trial continues Friday with more witnesses expected to testify about the procurement process. Defense teams prepare new arguments about unfair evidence handling by prosecutors. Court officials must decide whether to allow the disputed document as evidence.
