Parliament calls on government to investigate Kasukuwere over Marange–Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust within 14 days

Parliament yesterday called on the police, the anti-corruption commission and the auditor-general to investigate the conduct of Saviour Kasukuwere over the Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust within 14 days.

It also said President Robert Mugabe should establish a commission of inquiry led by a judge or any other suitable person “to investigate the intricate web of deceit, corruption and fraud related to the establishment and implementation of the M-Z CSOT”.

It gave Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri until 30 November to investigate and issue a statement on the alleged externalization of $500 million by Jinan diamond mining company and possibly by other mining companies.

These were some of the recommendations made by the Portfolio Committee on Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment following its report on the Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust.

The Trust, under which five diamond mining companies were supposed to contribute $10 million each,  was officially launched on 25 July 2012 by President Robert Mugabe who was presented an initial cheque of $1.5 million.

But Mugabe was apparently taken for a ride as the cheque was a dud and none of the mining companies had pledged the $10 million Mugabe was told about.

In fact, only two mining companies paid a total of $500 000 to the Trust.

According to Munyaradzi Machacha, the general manager, public relations, for Anjin, one of the mining companies, Kasukuwere knew there was no money to honour the dummy cheque but he insisted that President Mugabe should present the dummy cheque to the locals.

Below is the full report presented yesterday in Parliament. Presentation of the report almost caused a commotion in the House when Deputy Speaker, Mabel Chinomona said it would be presented today.

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