Mugabe complaining about own theft

President Robert Mugabe claims that at least $15 billion was carted off Zimbabwe's coffers from diamond proceeds could be a classic case of "a thief reporting themselves to police", an influential gems lobby group, Global Witness, has said.

In a statement yesterday, Global Witness said Mugabe's admission, made during his 92nd birthday interview early this month vindicated calls for reforms in the sector that the veteran ruler has rebuffed for over a decade.

Mugabe's stunning admission which has been received with anger and disbelief by opposition parties came shortly after Mines and Mining Development minister Walter Chidakwa ordered all gem-mining firms out of the Marange diamond fields to make way for a State-controlled merger company.