Which Business Did Mrs Mugabe Start? Is She Involved In The Diamond Deal?

“You cannot continue denying that you lead a faction every day. Wherever you are, go together with your cronies, go and apologise before it is too late because the President is also fed up,” Grace Mugabe said.  She accused Mujuru of supporting the opposition.“
The person who is leading a faction…the (opposition) MDC was formed at their home… We don’t want people who pretend to be good. Such people are political prostitutes “You undermine Mugabe who put you in that position you hold today.”

Grace Mugabe’s comments would appear to be an opening gambit in the end game to succeed her husband. ZANU-PF will hold a crunch elective congress in December. Robert Mugabe is expected to be confirmed as the party’s leader, but the fight for positions on the powerful politburo could be decisive.

Mugabe has been in power since 1980 and has long avoided appointing a successor. Grace Mugabe has also accused Mujuru of spreading rumours about her involvement in Zimbabwe’s lucrative diamond trade.

Although wracked by seemingly interminable economic crisis, Zimbabwe is home to one of the world’s largest diamond fields.  Many of the proceeds are thought to bypass state coffers straight into the pockets of connected politicians and the military. 

The Mujuru family owns River Ranch diamond mine in southern Zimbabwe close to the border with South Africa.

The person leading factions is the same person who accuses me of being involved in diamond deals, yet it is they who own a diamond mine,” Grace Mugabe said that person also moves around saying I want to acquire money using unscrupulous means when it is known that I started my business from scratch,” she added.

Uncertainty over Mugabe’s succession and concern over his age and failing health have divided the government and stalled growth in the ailing economy, with investors adopting a wait and see attitude.