The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed the bail appeal of businessman Mike Chimombe, upholding an earlier High Court decision to keep him in remand prison. This ruling, delivered on March 6, 2025, ensures that Chimombe, who has been in custody since June 2024, will remain behind bars as he awaits trial.
The court ruled that the state had provided compelling reasons for his continued detention, citing the risk of absconding, the seriousness of the charges, and the potential for witness interference. The decision marks another legal setback for Chimombe, who has repeatedly sought bail but has been denied at every judicial level.
Chimombe and his co-accused, businessman Moses Mpofu, face allegations of fraud related to the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. Authorities accuse them of misappropriating millions of dollars meant for rural development initiatives.
Initially arrested in 2024, Chimombe was first denied bail by the magistrate’s court in July of that year. His appeal to the High Court was similarly rejected in January 2025, with judges reinforcing the magistrate’s concerns over flight risk and witness tampering. Taking his case to the Supreme Court, Chimombe argued that the High Court had erred by relying on previous rulings instead of reassessing his bail application with a fresh perspective. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this argument, concluding that his continued detention was justified.
With this ruling, Chimombe is set to remain in remand prison at least until June 2025, marking a full year in pre-trial detention. His legal team has not yet indicated whether they will pursue any further appeals or alternative legal remedies.
