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‘Army has no boundary in economic activities’

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ZMDC chairman Godwills Masimirembwa has defended the army’s involvement in diamond mining activities in Chiadzwa, saying they were entitled to be involved in all the country’s economic activities.

ZIMBABWE Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) chairman Godwills Masimirembwa has defended the army’s involvement in diamond mining activities in Chiadzwa, saying security forces were entitled to be involved in all the country’s economic activities.

Report by Obey Manayiti

Masimirembwa made the remarks at Mutare Press Club last Friday after Centre for Natural Resources Governance director Farai Maguwu quizzed him over the heavy involvement of army personnel in the diamond mining area.

“The American army is involved in the manufacturing of weapons. It is also involved in economic and industrial activities. The military has no boundary in economic activities,” said Masimirembwa.

“Yes, the (Zimbabwean) army is involved and there should not be boundaries. If the army uses its stake to finance its activities, then that’s good and we will remain with the peace that we are enjoying in this country.”

The involvement of the army and other security sectors in diamond mining has remained a cause for concern from many civic organisations who have expressed fears that the soldiers could be leaking the diamonds out of the country and funding Zanu PF projects using proceeds from diamond sales.

“It’s a total lie that diamond money is donated to Zanu PF. ZMDC or any other company has never donated any money to Zanu PF,” said Masimirembwa.

He challenged Finance minister Tendai Biti to provide proof that diamond mining companies were not remitting their dues to Treasury.

“We have an obligation to contribute to the fiscus. However, there is a serious misunderstanding between the Ministers of Finance and Mines which I think is politically motivated. There are some people in the Ministry of Finance who think all proceeds should come to them. You don’t say everything I sell is a profit. In my view, this is politicking and what Biti wants is to make noise,” he added.

Masimirembwa said 15% of every diamond sale was remitted to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.