My son didn’t smuggle $7m, says Chinamasa

Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
Claims on social media that Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa’s son was arrested at Beitbridge Border Post while trying to smuggle out $7 million are false and meant to undermine the minister’s efforts in turning around the economy.

Minister Chinamasa dismissed the allegations in a statement saying they were deceitful.

“There have been rumours circulating in the social media about the alleged arrest of my son for allegedly trying to smuggle $7 million cash through Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday 29 May, 2016.

“These rumours and claims are false, evil, malicious and highly mischievous,” he said.

“This onslaught on my character and reputation will not deter or intimidate us from pursuing economic reforms within the context of ZIM-ASSET (Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation).

“I am actually emboldened to accelerate implementation of our reform agenda in order to turn around the fortunes of our economy.”

Social media was this week awash with reports alleging that Mr Tino Chinamasa was arrested for trying to smuggle the money into South Africa.

He warned Zimbabweans against the abuse of social media.

“I urge journalists and other users of social media to report responsibly and avoid peddling falsehoods,” he said.

Minister Chinamasa said Government supported the recent measures by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe aimed at stimulating production, generating exports, reducing the import bill and containing externalisation of foreign currency.

He said Government was in the process of consulting Afreximbank, International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank and the World Bank to explore mechanisms that would be put in place to ensure there is no abuse on the issuance of bond notes and that they are issued relative to the quantum of exports generated in the economy.

Minister Chinamasa said the RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya was also available to engage any group to fully explain the measures and how they will help address the cash crisis and stimulate economic activities for the benefit of Zimbabwe and its people.