Two guys convicted in that goat scheme scam are trying to buy an appeal. Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu had their plea heard this week. A High Court judge is now deciding whether they can challenge their fraud convictions and prison sentences from late last year. They got twelve and seventeen years, respectively, for swindling over seven million dollars from a government livestock tender.
Their lawyers argued the court got it wrong, claiming the state never proved essential fraud elements. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda said he needed time to review the application and the prosecution's response. He promised a ruling without undue delay. Outside the courtroom, their legal team acted unfazed, calling the delay a normal procedure.
They indicated their clients would wait for the order, which will simply grant or deny leave to appeal. The lawyers suggested they were not unhappy with the process. If the judge shuts them down, the pair plans a separate direct petition to the Supreme Court. It is a classic legal stall, using every procedural step available. The whole goat tender drama continues its slow march through the courts.
Their lawyers argued the court got it wrong, claiming the state never proved essential fraud elements. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda said he needed time to review the application and the prosecution's response. He promised a ruling without undue delay. Outside the courtroom, their legal team acted unfazed, calling the delay a normal procedure.
They indicated their clients would wait for the order, which will simply grant or deny leave to appeal. The lawyers suggested they were not unhappy with the process. If the judge shuts them down, the pair plans a separate direct petition to the Supreme Court. It is a classic legal stall, using every procedural step available. The whole goat tender drama continues its slow march through the courts.
