Mutare – Hundreds of families will this month be forcibly moved from the Chiadzwa to pave way for the what has been perceived to be the looting of diamonds a group of government officials.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu said an inter-ministerial committee was working on modalities of relocating villagers in the diamond-rich Chiadzwa area.

“However, it is the committee that will come up with programmes of implementation in full consultation with the local Member of Parliament in handling this matter,” he said.

Manicaland governor Chris Mushohwe who recently visited the area, also revealed that the villagers would all be moved whether they like it or not.

Close to 100 people were killed in the diamond fields by soldiers who were deployed by President Mugabe.

Zanu-PF stalwarts are reportedly looting the diamonds at the expense of local communities, regarded as one of the poorest communities in the country despite living in a diamond-rich area.

A clash has also erupted over the ownership of 200 acres of diamonds fields between African Consolidated Resources and the government run Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation.

ACR was also forcibly moved by armed police, resulting in the ZMDC taking over.

The matter has since spilled into courts.

Source: Zimeye