Frail Mugabe summoned over graft claims in diamond deals

A Zimbabwean House team has summoned former President Robert Mugabe over claims of corruption involving diamonds worth billions of dollars.

The allegations are part of the reason behind his dramatic fall from power six months ago.

“We have set May 9 as the date on which he will give evidence,” Temba Mliswa, chairman of the Mines and Energy Parliament committee told the Herald newspaper.

“We met today (Thursday) as a committee and resolved that we invite the former President to our committee to explain the disappearance of $15 billion (Ksh.1.5 trillion) worth of diamonds,” he added.

The lawmakers plan to question Mugabe over his 2016 claim that the country lost the money due to corruption and foreign exploitation in the diamond sector.

It is unclear whether Mugabe, who is in frail health, is likely to agree to appear before the committee or whether he will make moves to avoid a potential grilling session.

Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 until he was ousted last year when the military took over briefly and his once-loyal ZANU-PF party lawmakers turned against him.