Journalist arrested in Marange diamond area

By Tererai Karimakwenda
09 February 2007

A Zimbabwean journalist who works in South Africa for the independent e-TV confirmed Friday that he was arrested earlier this week in the diamond mining area of Marange and charged with working without accreditation. Producer Peter Moyo said contrary to reports in the state media he was not filming illegal diamond dealings in the area to discredit Zimbabwe, but was actually on holiday.

Moyo also denied claims in the reports that he had hired William Gumbo, a cameraman who works for the state’s ZBC television, and a Zimbabwean named Trymore. He said Gumbo is a long-time friend from school and Trymore is his cousin. Both had joined him on holiday and were also arrested. The three appeared in court Tuesday and were released on bail.

The state controlled Herald newspaper reported that Moyo had spy cameras with him and footage of illegal diamond dealing activity in Marange. The journalist explained that he declared the mini cameras at the border and was given permission to enter the country with them. He said he was capturing memories from his holiday, but it was impossible to avoid filming people who are dealing in diamonds. Moyo described how he even saw teenage boys dealing in the precious stones after midnight not far from a roadblock. He said: “We are all Zimbabweans living in a free Zimbabwe and anyone on holiday should be able to use a camera to capture their holidays.”

We also received reports that the ZBC bureau chief for Mutare Andrew Neshamba was arrested at a private lodge and accused of working with “an e-TV crew” on a documentary about the looting of diamonds by top government officials. Our sources said Neshamba received a letter from ZBC boss Henry Muradzikwa saying he has been suspended, pending finalisation of his case.

Top government officials have long been implicated in the illegal diamond deals in Manicaland and the issue is being investigated by a parliamentary committee headed by MP Joel Gabbuza. Gabbuza told us last month his committee would probe the illegal activity and deal with any government officials involved. But a report in The Herald Friday said witnesses testifying to the committee have refused to name the top officials.