PDP Says Seizure Of Diamond Mines Illegal

The People’s Democratic Party, the official opposition party in Zimbabwe, has condemned the government’s decision to close eight diamond mines in Manage, after they refused to join a conglomerate of state-owned mines.

The party has described the controversial move by the government as as “illegal and immoral” and that they deeply condemn these latest actions from an already controversial ZANU-PF.

However, while the PDP stood firm that the seizure of the mines in Manage was illegal, they did not seem to have any feelings for the private companies, as they believe these companies have exploited poor Zimbabweans as well as the natural resources the country has to offer.

Tendai Biti, leader of the PDP, said that diamond companies have not brought any substantial benefit to the country or its people:

“…It is common cause that the companies operating in Marange have been responsible for large scale looting of our national resources and thus depriving Zimbabweans of the much needed resources for development, they did so with the express blessing of the same government which today is crying foul,” he said.

And while they may have objections about the diamond mines, they do agree with the fact that what the government is doing is illegal:

“…As the PDP, we also believe in the rule of law which demands that there be fairness and just administrative conduct in respect of the principal of the right to be heard,” they said.

They also took the chance to highlight how unimpressed they are with the ruling ZANU-PF party:

“…The above decisions confirm beyond the iota of doubt that Zanu PF has no national vision and is incapable of pushing for reforms,” they concluded.

The eight mines affected have said that they would oppose the decision by the government and sue them if needs be.