Crimes and Courts Correspondent
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
HARARE – The trial of Zanu PF central committee member Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu, implicated in a US$9 million street lights tender scam, is scheduled to commence on March 24 this year.
The State, led by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, has confirmed its readiness to proceed with the case, which has already been indicted to the High Court.
Chimombe and Mpofu were informed of the trial date during their appearance before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Friday, with their legal representation provided by attorney Arshiel Mugiya.
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje outlined the State’s case, stating,
“In January last year, Harare City Council resolved to rehabilitate its street lights in preparation for the SADC Summit held in the capital in August.”
The council subsequently invited bids for the project, with 11 companies, including Juluka Endo Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd, co-owned by Mpofu, submitting proposals.
The tender documents required all bidders to present stamped audited financial statements for the past two years, as well as proof of payment of special procurement oversight committee and administration fees, among other criteria. However, according to Chirenje,
“Mpofu’s company failed to meet the requirements because its audited statements did not contain an audit opinion.”
Despite this, the council allegedly invited Mpofu’s company to submit a revised bid. It is claimed that the company resubmitted its proposal using falsified documents, leading to the award of the tender. The State alleges that Chimombe signed as a witness on these documents, resulting in the company receiving a part payment of US$260,000.
Both Chimombe and Mpofu have been in remand prison since June of last year, with courts denying them bail due to the seriousness of the charges against them.
The upcoming trial is expected to shed light on the alleged misconduct surrounding the tender process and the implications for those involved.