A committee of the Zimbabwean parliament has issued a warning to a company developing the controversial Marange diamond field in partnership with the Harare government that its directors could face contempt of parliament charges if they fail to show up for hearings on the company and its mining activities.
Directors of Mbada Holdings failed to show up for a hearing scheduled by the House Mining Committee on Monday despite the panel's instructions to Mbada Chairman Robert Mhlanga last week to produce his entire board of directors this week.
Committee members expressed irritation when the Mbada board members failed to show up. Mhlanga, a former air vice marshal and a major player in mining activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, later said he had been unable to assemble the board as some members were traveling and others were too busy.
The committee has since issued a stern letter warning the board that its members could face tough legal consequences if they fail to show up.
Lawmaker and Mines Committee member Moses Mare told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira that the House will exercise its powers to force the directors to appear or face arrest for contempt of Parliament.
Mutare lawyer Tinoziva Bere said Mbada executives could be brought up on contempt charges if they fail to heed the committee’s instructions.
