THE last episode of Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia exposé expectedly had some more troubling revelations pertaining to acts of corruption rooted in the country’s highest echelons of power.
Always never short of shocking new information recklessly spewed by the excitable self-proclaimed “prophet” Uebert Angel — we were told how President Emmerson Mnangagwa could protect money launderers and gold smugglers even to the extent allegedly using the airplane he would be travelling on for this purpose.
We also learnt from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe security manager Cleopas Chidodo how then First Lady, Grace Mugabe, would freely smuggle diamonds and ivory (allegedly acquired from elephant poaching) which were flown as cargo without clearance and paperwork.
It was also most interesting knowing that, in Zimbabwe, when the so-called First Family is travelling with the President, it is not subject to any checks or searches at our international airport thus could easily move anything in and out of Zimbabwe at will.
However, what caught my attention was the “warning” to the undercover Al Jazeera journalists (posing as Chinese criminals seeking to launder US$100 million in dirty money) by gold dealer Ewan Macmillian.
He told them in no uncertain terms that: “Do not trust any black person!”
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Macmillian went on: “Don’t invest with a black guy. You will die. They will tell you just lies.”
These statements touched the very core of my heart.
However, not as an insult to black people.
Not in the slightest way!
What I found painful was how packed those words were with the truth.
These are words that are never uttered in the public domain — in this politically correct world that we live in. Something I find rather sickening, since I am a staunch believer in the truth, regardless of who finds offence.
Who can deny that, especially here on the African continent in general and particulaly Zimbabwe, we have suffered terribly largely due to the lying and thieving ways of those placed in positions of authority?
As much as it is undeniable that there are a number of factors responsible for the deplorable state we find ourselves in — this high propensity to lie and steal ranks high up there.
Why is Zimbabwe lagging behind the rest of the world in infrastructural development, with roads that seem plucked from the stone age, especially in rural areas (without even any paving whatsoever), while those in cities and towns appear as if they were cratered by landmine?
Why is it that most urban areas have been without potable water for months and even years?
Why are our children in rural areas still learn under trees or in dilapidated tobacco curing barns, without any chairs and desks, let alone text and exercise books — as well as lagging light-years behind in science and technology?
Why are our healthcare institutions lacking basics such as painkillers, antiseptics, anaesthetic and surgical equipment?
Why are numerous cancer patients suffering and dying in agony, in the absence of adequate functional radiotherapy machines and affordable chemotherapy treatment?
Why are some medical aid schemes failing like the State-run Premier Service Medical Aid Society, whose beneficiaries are failing to access healthcare, since their insurance is being rejected?
Why is the country in perennial darkness with load shedding now a daily occurrence, power cuts lasting up to 20 hours thereby further threatening the already-limping economy’s viability?
I could go on but, I am certain the picture is clear.
What or who is to blame for all these seemingly unending challenges faced by Zimbabweans?
Are we not endowed with over 60 precious minerals that are not only highly sought-after globally, but are also not under any trade restrictions whatsoever — a fact made abundantly clear by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya?
So, why is the ordinary citizenry poor?
Is the answer not to be found in Macmillan’s statements?
Would anyone be wrong for saying that lying and stealing by those in authority is the major cause of our unending misery?
What are we to say, when over US$100 million worth of our gold is being smuggled to countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on self-incriminating statements by those featured in the Al Jazeera documentary confessing of their criminality some of which is ferried by, or with the protection of, the highest office in the land?
Surely, is it — wonder seeing the phenomenal economic advancements in Dubai with all those towering skyscrapers and high standard of living given that a huge chunk of our stolen gold is being stashed there?
Who should be surprised when known criminals such as the Gupta brothers, accused of massive corruption in South Africa are shielded by Dubai, which recently undiplomatically rejected Pretoria’s request for their extradition?
Our lying and thieving leaders are busy enriching and benefiting the UAE, at the expense of our country people.
Who does that?
What type of creature would deprive its country of its resources and make the poor to languish in poverty as they line their own pockets?
At the same time, they make false declarations of “leaving no one and no place behind” yet in reality, everyone and every place is being left behind.
Facts on the ground do not lie!
While those in power in Zimbabwe are busy lying about nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (a nation is built by its citizens) — these crooks are looting our resources vachivaka nyika dzevamwe (developing foreign lands).
Surely, are we to be known as a nation of liars and thieves?
My heart bleeds, profusely.
- Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice activist, writer, author and political commentator