HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you very much Madam President for giving me this opportunity to ask my question. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and I am happy he is here today. What measures are you going to put in place to curb illegal dealing in foreign exchange? We hear reports that some children of Ministers are involved in illegal activities?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): I thank the Hon. Member for that very pertinent question. She said this is illegal dealings. We are bringing the law to bear onto those who are doing this illegally. Certainly, we are not aware that children of Ministers and those in privileged positions are involved. The law does not discriminate between those privileged and those who are not. Therefore, if the law has to take its course, it is going to be applied equitably to all. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: On a point of order. I think when we come to the House we are very much serious. We are representing Zimbabwe. When I ask a question and Ministers start laughing, I feel very – I do not know.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I do not know what the Ministers are laughing at.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: The follow up question is that we have been following the news. Hon. Mutsvangwa’s son was caught with over US$200 000 and is alleged to have been illegally dealing.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Minister, can you allow the Senator to ask her question.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I am talking about the issue which is before the police. Madam President, there is a Minister’s son who was caught with over US$200 000 and illegally dealing in foreign currency. When the police apprehended him, he was found with US$20 000.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: What is the question now?
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: What is the Minister of Finance going to do to stop such illegal activities?
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: The Hon. Member has been very clear in the question in saying that the issue is before the police which really means that they are dealing with it. That in a sense, the Minister of Finance has no role because the law enforcement agents have already started their process and they are dealing with the matter. Obviously, we will also watch the space to see how that is concluded. The matter is before the police. The police are doing their job.