When the inclusive government dumped the Zimbabwean dollar last year and introduced a multi-currency system, illegal foreign currency dealers were taken out of business. They disappeared from the streets. Some were made destitute, others turned to armed robbery.
However, a survey conducted by The Zimbabwean on the streets of Bulawayo this week revealed that dealers were back and claiming that their supplies came from highly-placed people in government and the armed forces.
We are back with better business, although its very risky, because if you are arrested for illegal diamond dealing you can be jailed for many years. Its just a small fine for dealing in currency, said one dealer.
He said the precious stones they sell are smuggled from the Chiadzwa diamond fields in Manicaland by fat cats in and outside government and he was only a front-man. He claimed that, in a day, he makes deals worth thousands of US dollars.
Another street diamond dealer said: We dont have much to fear, since we are connected. We work for big fishes in government and even in the police force or army, who supply us with the gems.
She said most of her clients were from countries like Lebanon, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
Bulawayo province police spokesperson Mandlenkosi Moyo said: There has been an increase in the number of people who are arrested for illegal possession of diamonds in the city in recent months.
Lack of transparency and accountability by the government-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Company (ZMDC) and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has seen diamonds gems smuggled out of Chiadzwa diamond fields by top Zanu (PF) officials and those in the armed forces.
Post published in: News