Zimbabwe diamonds sold to bust sanctions says Obert Mpofu

HARARE - Mines minister Obert Mpofu told civic organisation leaders at a conference on accountability and transparency in the mining industry that he will not divulge any information pertaining to diamond production and sales, as it will expose the country's sanctions-busting strategies.

An emotionally-charged Mpofu, who was in a "no-nonsense mood", dressed down civic organisation leaders and shot down any questions pertaining to diamond production and revenue.

Mpofu said: "Why do you want to know who we are selling our diamonds to and for how much because this was the same question we were asked last week at KP (Kimberly Process meeting)?

"We won't divulge such information because our detractors want to know our sanctions-busting strategies.

"If they know we are selling to so and so, the countries imposing sanctions on us will freeze their accounts and put their companies under sanctions. In the end we won't get any money from our diamonds.

Real citizens wouldn't worry about what you are asking because all they want to see is money going into the fiscus."

The minister, fresh from a Kimberly Process meeting held in America last week added that the ministry of Finance should do its job and stop complaining about diamond revenue.

"I am the minister of Mines and not Finance. Why do you ask me about revenue collection because that is Zimra's job and not mines?

"My ministry doesn't control Zimra and therefore I don't know why you are asking me about revenue collection. Ministers should stop complaining in public and concentrate on doing their work. No minister has ever collected revenue on behalf of Zimra and why should I do so?", said Mpofu.