The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy has summoned current and former high ranking government officials to answer questions on missing diamond revenues which were estimated to be worth $15 Billion by former president Robert Mugabe. The committee is chaired by the independent legislator for Norton, Temba Mliswa. Some of the officials who have been summoned are former mines ministers Obert Gutu and Walter Chidhakwa, former finance minister Ignatius Chombo and former commissioner-general of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Augustine Chihuri.
Speaking to the Daily News, Mliswa said:
We have invited the minister (Mpofu) to come on Monday to appear before the committee to give an insight into what could have transpired not only regarding the missing $15 billion but also to explain issues around how licences were given to mining companies and what the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC)’s role was in all this.
After him, Chidakwa will also appear along with (officials from) the diamond mines (that operated in Chiadzwa) and people such as Ignatius Chombo and others, including Chihuri whose names have been mentioned regarding diamond money.
There are many people who were involved in diamond mining and the responsible ministers during this time were Mpofu and Chidakwa . . . and they should be able to help shed light on the diamond operations
The portfolio committee this week grilled controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo over the controversial Gwanda Solar Power Project tender.
More: Daily News