Illegal Diamond Panner Shot Dead in Marange

(IDEX Online News) – An illegal diamond panner was allegedly shot dead by security guards at the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe. Two others were said to be injured in the same event, which took place on Christmas Day, reported NewsDay.

The fields are owned by Marange Resources.

According to Marange Development Trust (MDT), a local pressure group, there is a real risk of injury or death to those who are trying to illegally enter the diamond fields.  MDT leader Malvern Mudiwa called the security personnel “overzealous.” He said that instead of properly apprehending the illegal panners, they instead opened fire, killing a 33-year-old man from a nearby village.

“As MDT, we strongly condemn the shooting. We have lost approximately four lives within a space of one month. This is the reason why the diamonds will be labelled bloody diamonds. Such brutality should end and we demand action from responsible authorities,” he said, as reported by NewsDay.