Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, affiliated with the ruling ZANU-PF party, have challenged the presence of two ‘old’ Supreme Court adjudicators at their trial on US$7.7 million fraud allegations linked to the presidential goat plan.

The duo, represented by lawyers Tapson Dzvetero and Lovemeore Madhuku led by Ashiel Mugiya, appeared before Supreme Court Judge Pisirayi Kwenda. They argued that evaluators over the age of 70 are constitutionally barred from participating in criminal trials, calling into question the legitimacy of the evaluators assisting Judge Kwenda.

Madhuku and Dzvetero called on the evaluators to reveal their ages, citing a legal provision that requires judges presiding over criminal cases to be under 70 years old. They indicated their intention to submit an application seeking referral of their case to the Constitutional Court to address age-related concerns regarding the assessors.

The State, represented by Whisper Mabhaudhi and Lovet Masuku, has proposed that the defense submit a written request for clarity. Madhuku responded in the affirmative and stated that they would submit the application before October 8.

Mabhaudhi confirmed he would respond by October 15, and Judge Kwenda scheduled a court appearance on October 22 for oral submissions on the case.

Chimombe and Mpofu are facing charges of embezzling US$7.7 million from the Presidential Goat Scheme, allegedly by forging tax and compliance certificates to secure a tender for the supply of goats, while failing to maintain compliance status misrepresent their company. The case continues to attract public attention and highlights the intersection of politics and business in Zimbabwe.