By Farai Maguwu| A major issue we must address together as Zimbabweans is the abuse of our Police force by corrupt, self serving politicians. Yesterday, a big portion of uniformed and plain clothes Police from Mutare Central and Mutare Rural Police, including very senior officers, were all deployed to Marange. There were scores of CIOs too.

This was despite the overwhelming endorsement of the event by the community. But it was very clear some of the Police officers had no intention, whatsoever, to disrupt the event. They were simply on duty. The senior officers present where on the phones most of the time, receiving instructions and giving feedback to their superiors who were also under instruction. It was as if the nation as under attack from an external enemy. Soldiers were roaming the community though they didnt come anywhere close to the tent. But it was clear, some people in Harare with direct cotrol of the Police and the military were dictating proceeds from behind the scenes. I personally felt betrayed. I just felt like we are under an occupation force.

At the boomgate one Police officer was heard telling his colleagues to let the people proceed to the venue, arguing ‘ndezve community izvi, let them pass, ko isu takambowana chii from these diamonds’.

I am aware Police in Marange have been instructed never to arrest ZCDC guards who have been instructed to murder artisanal miners. 2 months ago, Police in Marange quarrelled with ZCDC guards after the later had murdered an artisanal miner and now wanted the Police to carry the body. Police refused to carry the body and told the guards to complete what they had started. And yet the Police could not arrest the murderous guards, fearing to cross the path of vakuru.

I called Sugar Chagonda, ZCDC public relations officer who said he will get back to me, and am still waiting.
Our Police force has been instructed NOT to arrest the Chinese who are terrorising citizens throughout the country. Instead, our Police and army are deployed in Marange in their hundreds, if not thousands, using tax payers funds, to guard thieves robbing our country. All the looting taking place in Marange since 2008 is being done under the watch of our security forces who are also forced into illicit diamond deals because their salaries remain below the poverty datum line.

Leaders must change how they view our natural wealth. its not for leaders. The only role of leaders is to make patriotic decisions that maximize our collective benefits from these natural resources. They must lead to better schools, better road infrastructure, better hospitals and more jobs across all sectors. When that happens the number of artisanal miners will significantly go down- human rights violations in the extractive sector will decrease.

To get to that phase the first step is devolution of power and decision making. If the Manicaland people are allowed to make decisions over Marange diamonds the outcome will be different – and the whole nation will benefit. Its the same with Mutoko over its black granite, Mat North over Hwange, Victoria Falls, Lupane etc. We will develop faster and evenly. This doesn’t mean promoting tribalism. Its about improved governance of natural resources and to ensure people close to natural resources also benefit.