The High Court faced unexpected issues yesterday when prison officials failed to bring Mike Chimombe to his scheduled fraud hearing. Officials gave no clear reason for his absence until later. Judge Pisirayi Kwenda stepped in firmly, ordering the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services to produce Chimombe for the afternoon court session. The situation created confusion as court proceedings stalled without explanation.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku, representing Chimombe, later explained his client needed medical attention. He asked the court to delay the case until March 17, revealing that doctors had prescribed complete bed rest starting February 28. Madhuku emphasized they needed time to monitor Chimombe's health before committing to future court dates. The defense team presented this information only after the judge demanded answers.
Judge Kwenda reviewed the situation and agreed to reschedule the trial for mid-March, when proceedings should finally begin. This marks yet another delay in a case that has moved slowly through the court system. Both defendants have repeatedly filed various applications that pushed back the original timeline. These legal maneuvers have stretched the case far beyond its expected schedule.
Chimombe and business partner Moses Mpofu are accused of serious financial crimes. Prosecutors claim the pair stole $7 million from a government program meant to distribute goats to citizens. The Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme represented a significant public investment before the alleged fraud occurred. Court officials hope the March hearing will finally advance the stalled legal process despite repeated setbacks.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku, representing Chimombe, later explained his client needed medical attention. He asked the court to delay the case until March 17, revealing that doctors had prescribed complete bed rest starting February 28. Madhuku emphasized they needed time to monitor Chimombe's health before committing to future court dates. The defense team presented this information only after the judge demanded answers.
Judge Kwenda reviewed the situation and agreed to reschedule the trial for mid-March, when proceedings should finally begin. This marks yet another delay in a case that has moved slowly through the court system. Both defendants have repeatedly filed various applications that pushed back the original timeline. These legal maneuvers have stretched the case far beyond its expected schedule.
Chimombe and business partner Moses Mpofu are accused of serious financial crimes. Prosecutors claim the pair stole $7 million from a government program meant to distribute goats to citizens. The Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme represented a significant public investment before the alleged fraud occurred. Court officials hope the March hearing will finally advance the stalled legal process despite repeated setbacks.
