A High Court judge accused defense attorneys of intentionally delaying proceedings as two businessmen convicted of defrauding the government approach sentencing. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda rejected a postponement request from Advocate Tapson Dzvetero, who cited scheduling conflicts, and criticized the legal team for repeatedly missing court appearances without authorization. The judge noted that counsel had vanished when the trial began and continued skipping sessions even after receiving explicit instructions to attend.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku, leading the defense for Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, filed unsuccessful applications seeking to halt proceedings and permission to appeal procedural matters to the Supreme Court. He indicated plans to submit another application before a higher court judge. The convicted men face penalties under revised sentencing guidelines after being found guilty of stealing approximately seven million dollars through a presidential agricultural program involving goats.
Professor Lovemore Madhuku, leading the defense for Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, filed unsuccessful applications seeking to halt proceedings and permission to appeal procedural matters to the Supreme Court. He indicated plans to submit another application before a higher court judge. The convicted men face penalties under revised sentencing guidelines after being found guilty of stealing approximately seven million dollars through a presidential agricultural program involving goats.
