Banned in Australia

nd persons associated with, the government of Zimbabwe,” the central bank said in a statement. “All transactions involving the transfer of funds or payments to, by the order of, or on behalf of such persons are prohibited.”

Among the new people barred from doing business with Australia are several relatives of Mugabe, spouses and children of ministers, Army general Constantine Chiwenga, Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo, deputy Trade Minister Kenneth Manyonda and Finance Minister Herbert Murerwa. However, the list as it appears on the Banks website contains a number of unfortunate inconsistencies, according to a top Zimbabwean banker. For example, both Simon Muzenda and Swithum Mombeshore are now late, Phineas Chihota is listed twice as Chihota and Chiota; there are many Zimbabweans named Fundira and Manikai – these entries need to have more information to enable compliance; Tom Brown, MH Franklin, Godfrey Gomwe, IH Harris, Ray Kaukonde, Ngoni Kudenga, Judith Madzorera, Solomon Mugavazi, Elisha Mushayakarara cannot all have been born on January 1, 1964. The banker also remarks: A notable exclusion is Charles Davey, father of Chelsy Davey, consort to Prince Harry of England and business associate of Webster Shamu, a cabinet minister. I happen to know that AB Wishart (d.o.b incorrectly recorded as 10 January 1956 – he has recently retired) retired to and lives in Australia. Are Australians now expected to ostracize him? And Eric Blochs d.o.b. is given as 1981! Eric must be in his late fifties at least. Experts agree that because spouses are not listed this would technically enable an Australian company or individual to comply with the regulations by transacting with the spouse of one of the listed individuals. An example would be the payment of school or university fees. For example, if Melbourne University accepts a cheque from say Gideon Gonos wife for tuition fees for her three children at that University, is Melbourne University in breach of the regulations? asked the banker.