Efforts to dodge prosecution in the US$9 million tender saga by jailed businessman Mike Chimombe have failed after the court ruled against him. Chimombe and his partner Moses Mpofu, already in custody for a US$7 million tender scandal, faced new charges. Chimombe, through his lawyer Ashiel Mugiya, challenged the state to prove his involvement in the scandal.
He argued against his placement on remand, insisting he had no involvement. Chimombe also claimed he is not an employee or director of Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, the company allegedly awarded the tender illegally. “There are no facts arising from these charges linking the second accused to the offense,” Mugiya argued.
Magistrate Stanford Mambanje ruled these are triable issues. “From the allegations, the applicant (Chimombe) signed as a witness.” “The signing resulted in them receiving a contract and a part payment.” “If he acted in that manner, he would face criminal liability.”
The court concluded the State has shown how the crime was committed. “All requisites for a remand have been satisfied; there are enough facts for the accused to be placed on remand,” ruled the magistrate. Representing the State, Anesu Chirenje alleged Chimombe and Mpofu misrepresented their qualifications and experience.
“They claimed experience in street lighting, falsely stating they had undertaken light bulb installations in Harare CBD.” “They also falsely claimed to have done Christmas lights installation for the City of Harare.” “The accused misrepresented compliance with general regulations, submitting a disqualified bid receipt.”
“They also submitted a bid security obtained on March 26, 2024, previously used in an unsuccessful tender.” “Further, they provided audit documents from an unregistered consultancy company,” Chirenje added. After the tender was awarded, Mpofu signed as the managing director of Juluka Enndo, and Chimombe signed as a witness.
They received a US$260,000 part payment. “By submitting documents with false statements, they intended to deceive the City of Harare,” said the state. The two will return to court on August 22 for their routine remand, awaiting trial.
