MMCZ warns on bogus diamond agents

Oliver Kazunga Business Reporter
THE Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has warned diamond customers and stakeholders to be wary of bogus agents masquerading as the corporation’s diamond trade middlemen. MMCZ said it was the sole marketer of all minerals produced in Zimbabwe except gold and silver that were controlled by the Reserve Bank Act.

“MCZ wishes to advise the diamond customers, business community and all stakeholders, that it is the sole marketer of all minerals including diamonds produced in Zimbabwe except gold and silver, and nothing has changed in terms of Government law,” said the country’s minerals marketing authority.

It said it had come to its attention that they were some unscrupulous criminal elements masquerading and misrepresenting the country as diamond trade middlemen.

“MMCZ does not have any approved, certified nor accredited diamond agents as it is the sole agent for mineral marketing in the country,” it said.

Some of these bogus agents have also claimed links with Government and MMCZ officials duping unsuspecting businessmen, customers and investors into believing that there was a facilitation fee to be paid.

It said registration of prospective customers was done through MMCZ only and was free of charge.
the corporations said the process of diamond sales was transparent with no need for business people to get connected to any Government official or use any dubious agent.

“Therefore, MMCZ wishes to advise its valued customers and stakeholders that anybody willing to do diamond business with the corporation should not go through anybody else regardless of their societal position.”