Police bar lawmakers from investigating Zimbabwe diamond fields

Lawmakers barred from Zimbabwe diamond field

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Lawmakers investigating alleged illegal diamond mining in eastern Zimbabwe say police stopped them touring the diamond workings.

Lawmaker Moses Mare says 13 legislators from both parties in the coalition government spent Tuesday and Wednesday waiting for clearance to enter the Chiadzwa diamond district.

Provincial and police officials in the eastern provincial capital of Mutare told the group they did not have clearance despite an invitation from the state mining corporation to include public hearings in local communities.

Diamond mining in Zimbabwe is mired in allegations of corruption and violence by troops called in to seal off the fields last year.