Heartbreaking moment as jailed Moses Mpofu reveals his son begged for a sleepover during prison visit

JAILED businessman Moses Mpofu has shared details about a heartbreaking moment when one of his sons begged to sleepover with him at Chikurubi Maximum Prison after visiting during the recently ended Family Week.

Mpofu was sentenced to 22-years in prison for defrauding government of US$7 million in a failed Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme that he masterminded with his colleague Mike Chimombe, who is also at Chikurubi Maximum Prison on a 17-year jail term.

Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com’s Destiny TV, Mpofu expressed appreciation for the week long opportunity to spend time with family members but begged for more time.

In sharing his happiness, Mpofu said one of his sons had requested to sleepover, taking advantage of the week to soend more time with him.

“Saying goodbye will be a very sad moment for me,” said Mpofu on Sunday, which was the last of seven days inmates were allowed to spend with an unlimited number of family and friends.

“I had one of my sons saying, ‘Daddy can I sleepover with you today’ and it was so touching.

“It is painful, but it is a pain of joy as we are all grateful to the Government of Zimbabwe for affording us this opportunity to meet with our families.”

Once part of the flashy boys’ brigade, Mpofu and Chimombe fell off the feeding trough after standing up to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s current blue-eyed boy, Wicknell Chivayo following a botched deal.

They were arrested for coming up with a fake company, Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming and forging documents to secure a US$87 million government contract for the supply of 500,000 goats as part of the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme.

The scheme was meant to enhance food security for rural families but after a US$7.7 million advance payment, the funds were diverted to other accounts and onto the black market.

Added Mpofu: “Reflecting on my life here, I would advise my son to tread carefully, abide by the law and make sure all transactions are in black and white.

“At times we do shortcuts, avoid due diligence and do things based on trust.”

Chimombe was also visited by family, friends and a man who once offered to serve his sentence, Lawrence Dhairo.

“Our request to government is that the Family Week be extended to August.

“Ours is an agro-based economy and in April people will be harvesting, while in December they will be planting. August does not have a lot of agricultural activities.

“I have a lot of relatives who have come from South Africa, Botswana and Bulawayo. I am glad they are giving me such support. It means a lot, you are our last hope and thank you for the prayers,” said Mpofu before embracing two of his children and heading over to friends and family, most of whom he will only get to see again in December.