The villagers reportedly started hunting for the precious stones after some discovered what they suspected to be diamonds at a small plot two months ago.
Nezi Wadi, the MP for Murehwa West said he had since tasked the local leadership to investigate the claims. “I have heard about the claims but I am still waiting for a full report from the local councillors,” Wadi said.
Although a crew from The Standard failed to reach the plot on Friday because of poor roads, people in nearby villages confirmed the development.
“I also heard about the diamonds and I went to the field to try my luck,” said a villager who was reluctant to identify himself.
“However, I only got quartz but I will continue going there until I get the diamonds.” Another villager said although he had not been to the area, he knew a number of neighbours who had gone to the area in search of the precious mineral.
Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu said although he was not aware of the alleged Murehwa diamond find, such reports were not surprising.
“That’s news to me but it’s not surprising because from time to time we get such reports and we send our geologists,” he said. “I will certainly send my team there as soon as possible.”
The only known mining activities in Murehwa have been for black granite. Zimbabwe’s last biggest diamond find was in the Chiadzwa area in Manicaland province over five years ago.
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The discovery of the diamonds saw thousands of illegal miners and dealers descending on the area with some amassing riches over-night.
President Robert Mugabe’s previous government was forced to deploy the police and army to bring sanity to the area but the security forces were accused of committing gross human rights violations.
The claims forced the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, which regulates world trade in the precious stones, to temporarily ban Zimbabwe from selling the mineral on the world market.
