Businessman Mike Chimombe, who is facing charges of defrauding the state of US$7 million under the Presidential Goats Scheme, failed to appear in court on Monday due to illness.
A medical report submitted before High Court judge Pisirayi Kwenda indicated that Chimombe required at least seven days to recover.
His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, requested a postponement of the trial to March 3, arguing that his client was unfit to stand trial.
“The second accused person, Mike Chimombe, is unwell and unable to attend court proceedings. A medical practitioner who examined him on February 22, 2025, indicated he needs a week to recuperate. We request that the trial be deferred to next Monday,” Mugiya stated.
Business Duo Chimombe and Mpofu
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The court was informed that the medical report was issued by Dr. D. Ngwaru.
Mugiya also sought a court directive for Chimombe to be examined by a state doctor, but state prosecutor Witness Mabhaudhi opposed the request.
“This is not a mental health matter, and no one is disputing the medical report. We expect him to appear in court on Monday, so an additional examination is unnecessary,” Mabhaudhi argued.
Judge Kwenda granted the postponement but declined to issue an order for a state medical examination.
Chimombe is jointly charged with Moses Mpofu. The pair has remained in custody since their arrest in June 2024, with repeated attempts to secure bail proving unsuccessful.
Their trial has faced multiple delays, including an unsuccessful bid to have the case referred to the Constitutional Court.
