Zimbabwe financial Gazette "THE lack of transparency in the sale of diamonds has prejudiced the State of potential revenues in excess of US$1 billion, Finance Minister Tendai Biti has said. Biti's claims coincide with reports by the United Kingdom's BBC Panorama investigative series alleging the existence of torture camps near the controversial Chiadzwa diamond fields in Marange where civilians are reportedly being subjected to severe beatings and sexual attacks.
Mines Minister, Obert Mpofu has strongly denied the existence of the torture camps, calling it 'cheap propaganda from the BBC.'
In a Parliamentary speech last week, Biti claimed the country's gems were being sold for a song."
Mines Minister, Obert Mpofu has strongly denied the existence of the torture camps, calling it 'cheap propaganda from the BBC.'
In a Parliamentary speech last week, Biti claimed the country's gems were being sold for a song."