There was commotion at the High Court yesterday after the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) failed to produce Mike Chimombe for his fraud trial without providing an official explanation.
Chimombe was absent in the morning session, prompting Justice Pisirayi Kwenda to order ZPCS to ensure his appearance in the afternoon.
It was only then revealed that he was unwell, as his lawyer, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, applied for a postponement.
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Madhuku informed the court that a doctor had prescribed seven days of bed rest for Chimombe, starting February 28, and requested the trial be rescheduled to allow for recovery.
Justice Kwenda granted the request, setting March 17 as the new trial date.
The case has faced multiple delays, with Chimombe and his co-accused, Moses Mpofu, filing various applications.
The two businessmen stand accused of defrauding the state of US$7 million in the Presidential Goats Pass-On Scheme.