adminFarirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Local businessman Mr James Makamba, who is in self-imposed exile, is free to return home since he was not expelled, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Emerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday.Minister Mnangagwa said this while responding to a question by Cde Joseph Chinotimba who wanted to know whether it was not possible for President Mugabe to use his presidential powers to pardon the former Zanu-PF Central Committee member so that he could come back and contribute to the country’s economic development.
“It is true what the honourable member has said that President Mugabe is a kind-hearted person but he has also never chased anyone from the country. If there is anyone who is outside the country then it is that person who knows the reason why they are outside. Maybe the honourable member (Cde Chinotimba) may get in touch with him since he knows his whereabouts and find out why he is away.
“Zimbabwe is a peaceful country and everyone is welcome to come but if there is something wrong he (Mr Makamba) did then maybe he would be afraid to come but it will be only him who knows that,” Minister Mnangagwa said.
Mr Makamba went into self-imposed exile in 2005 after being charged with violating the Exchange Control Act. He skipped bail and fled the country as the state prosecuted him on charges of allegedly externalising £3,7 million, US$2,1 million and R15 million.
Mr Makamba is an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of interests covering telecommunications, retail, mining and consultancy. He came to prominence as a disc jockey at ZBC and was part of a consortium that was awarded a licence to operate the country’s second mobile operator Telecel.
Ever since going into self-imposed exile, Mr Makamba has set temporary bases in many countries.
Online Reporter