A number of soldiers are reportedly attacking villagers in Marange, Manicaland Province demanding “mining access fee” denominated in United States dollars.
Villagers who spoke to Zim Morning Post said that the soldiers have been harassing and torturing villagers for a long period of time now. Speaking to the publication, one villager said:
Young boys and men are tortured and drove out from their drills if they fail to pay the agreed amount of money.
They release you after paying the money and they came back later for you and they will torture you again in your drill.
The reports of human rights abuses come when the United States of America has issued a blacklisted Marange diamonds over alleged human rights abuses.
The reports were however rubbished by human rights watchdog, Centre for Research and Development, the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) and Manicaland traditional leaders.
More: Zim Morning Post