Mnangagwa urged to leave no stone unturned in recovering $15bn
OPPOSITION parties have welcomed calls
by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for persons, who externalised money to return
the loot within three months, saying the government must leave no stone
unturned in accounting for the missing $15 billion diamond revenue.
Former President Robert Mugabe revealed the country lost $15 billion diamond
revenue, which is widely believed to have been externalised by government
officials working with rogue investors.
On Tuesday, Mnangagwa gave those who externalised money up to February to
return their wealth or risk prosecution.
Opposition parties said Zanu-PF officials were largely responsible for
externalising funds.
"Billions of dollars, particularly arising from the illicit sale of diamonds
from Marange and Chiadzwa, were illegally externalised by these criminals. All
this money should be brought back to Zimbabwe sooner rather than later,"
MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu said.
"The fight against corruption shouldn't only target small fish. Even the
big fish must be fried. Corrupt deals such as the release of $5 million by
former Energy minister Samuel Undenge to Wicknell Chivayo for the construction
of a power project that never materialised should be thoroughly
investigated."
People's Democratic Party spokesperson, Jacob Mafume said: "The challenge
is that it can be just a money-laundering move if done selectively. The very
same parties have been in government for a long time and they ought to know
where it is. We need an audit on the diamond and other minerals revenue."
Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob
Ngarivhume said Mnangagwa should lead by example.
"Zimbabwe needs to come out of this corruption and patronage system, which
Mnangagwa helped build," Ngarivhume said.
Coalition for Democrats presidential candidate, Elton Mangoma said although he
welcomed the move, those in Zanu-PF must be pursued with equal vigour.
"I hope he (Mnangagwa) knows where the $15 billion, that Mugabe spoke
about, went to. I'm sure the money that is targeted is part of that $15
billion," he said.
Joice Mujuru's People's Rainbow Coalition urged the government to name and
shame all the culprits.
"Above everything else, can the government name and shame all the
individuals and corporates, who are behind the misappropriation of mineral
proceeds of $15 billion, which is yet to be accounted for?" coalition's
spokesperson, Gift Nyandoro asked.
Last year, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, John Mangudya said $1,8 billion
was externalised in 2015 and out of that amount, $1,2 billion was siphoned out
by corporates, with outward individual remittances accounting for the balance.