HARARE regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei yesterday postponed the bail application continuation of Zanu PF central committee member Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu after the magistrate presiding over the case did not show up.
The matter was deferred to tomorrow for continuation of bail application.
The duo is being represented by Arshiel Mugiya and Tapson Dzvetero.
In the last court session last week on Wednesday, investigating officer Henry Chapwanya opposed bail, arguing that releasing Chimombe and Mpofu could lead to public order disturbances.
He said Zimbabwean citizens were angry because the goat scheme was supposed to uplift rural poor people.
Chapwanya said the duo could not be released on bail since citizens would protest, which could undermine peace and security, considering that the country is hosting the Sadc summit next month.
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He said Chimombe and Mpofu interfered with investigations by releasing a memo on social media platforms commenting on a case which was under investigation.
Chapwanya said the two were a flight risk as they could sustain their lives outside Zimbabwe, given that they had the financial muscle.
However, Mugiya argued that Chimombe and Mpofu went to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) offices for interviews on two cases.
He further submitted that the duo never tried to flee, adding that they would stay at their given addresses and not interfere with investigations.
He submitted that his clients never attempted to interfere with officials from National Social Security Authority or Zimbabwe Revenue Authority to undermine Zacc investigations.
Dzvetero argued that Chapwanya was initially not opposed to bail but he suddenly changed.
Chimombe (43) and Mpofu (49) were arraigned before the courts for allegedly defrauding government of more than US$7 million meant for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.