adminCletus Mushanawani News Editor—
CHIADZWA diamond fields will remain a no go area, with those who dare trespass being severely dealt with, while law enforcement agents who receive bribes to allow panners to sneak in will face the full wrath of the law. This was said during a ministerial tour of the diamond fields on Wednesday following the cancellation of diamond mining licences of four companies that were operating at the vast diamond fields. The affected companies are Mbada Diamonds, Diamond Mining Company, Jinan and Anjin.
The companies were kicked out on Tuesday and police have since moved into provide security. Speaking during the tour, Headman Chiadzwa said they were concerned with reports that some rotten elements within the force were allowing panners to sneak into the diamond fields after being paid as little as $10.
“We are concerned because police are being paid $10 to allow panners to sneak into the diamond fields. This should stop,” said Headman Chiadzwa. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Ignatius Chombo, who was part of the ministerial delegation, said: “There are reports that police are receiving $10 to allow panners into the diamond fields, but we are still to get any evidence. I want to warn all those deployed here that they should desist from any acts of corruption. Reports can be true or false, but those who are bent on tarnishing the image of the country will be dealt with. The duty of the police is to protect the country’s resources after President Mugabe took the decision to ensure that Government becomes the sole miner at Chiadzwa.
“All those deployed here should ensure that there is no chaos. Lawlessness and thuggery should not be tolerated. There should be zero tolerance on all panning activities here. All the officers here should not be found wanting as all those who engage in any illegal activities will be dealt with, while all rotten elements will be weeded out. You should avoid all corrupt tendencies.”
Dr Chombo said more manpower and equipment would be deployed if the need arises. “Those on the ground should not hesitate to request for more manpower as well as equipment. Remember you are protecting a national resource and you should not be found wanting.”
Adding his voice, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Cde Walter Chidhakwa, said police should remain professional in discharging their duties.
“Professionalism has always remained the hallmark of Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Defence Forces. All cases of indiscipline among those deployed here should be dealt with. The world will be watching us on how we are going to execute this transitional process, this include both our friends and enemies. As the police, you are out to enforce the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act. All those who were kicked out had violated the laws of this land and should not be allowed to come back.
“There is a lot of indiscipline in the economy and it is the duty of law enforcement agents to weed out all rotten elements. We will continue monitoring the situation as well as make impromptu visits until the situation is under control.”
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, said police should guard against all forms of corruption as her office would keep an eye on their operations at Chiadzwa.
“As police you should always say: ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from corruption. As senior officers at times you defend the wrong people and that is corruption. Investigate all cases brought to your attention. Do not let things get out of hand because you will not be able to deal with the problems.
“The diamonds belong to the people of Zimbabwe and I will also be leading from the front in protecting them. You should perform your duties as assigned. Don’t be lukewarm in discharging your duties,” she said.
On the plight of employees affected by the mines closures, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Chris Mushohwe, said: “We are aware that some employees were sacked after going for almost two years without their salaries, but something will be done for them to get their dues. You were not dumped and some of you will be rehired because you have the necessary experience.”
Dr Mushohwe said the booted companies deserved it because they had proved to be big liars who never delivered on any undertaking they would have made.
“The companies took President Mugabe and the nation for a ride by pledging that they would support the Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust, but nothing materialised. Schools, clinics and roads are still in their sorry state despite numerous reminders to the company to fulfil their pledges.
“They are themselves to blame because where in the world do you find companies operating without licences? “The companies did not respect our traditional rites as some of them violated our ancestors’ graves, with some of the remains being swept away by water in Odzi River.
“We hail this decision as it was long overdue. Traditional leaders should play their role by not harbouring panners in their areas,” said Dr Mushohwe.
Online Reporter