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Cleopas Chidodo, the security manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), has retracted the allegations he made about former First Lady Grace Mugabe in Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia documentary.
In the documentary, Chidodo claimed that Mugabe had used her influential status to smuggle diamonds and ivory out of Zimbabwe without her late husband’s knowledge. However, in a video recording, Chidodo apologised to Mugabe and the former first family, stating that the allegations he made were false and retracting them in full. He said:
<blockquote>
I wish to render my unconditional apologies to Dr Grace Mugabe and the entire former first family for the falsehoods I mentioned about them in the said episode…
I wish the general public to know that it is untrue that Dr Grace Mugabe did the various illegal things that I mentioned in the video. Specifically, it is untrue that Dr Grace Mugabe killed elephants for ivory. It is untrue that Dr Grace Mugabe smuggled said ivory in hoards of containers through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. It is untrue that Dr Grace Mugabe would send a plane to Chiadzwa mining fields to collect diamonds and smuggle them outside of Zimbabwe. It is untrue that Dr Grace Mugabe devised a scheme to smuggle minerals and ivory behind the late former President Robert Mugabe’s back. It is untrue that the former first family made a lot of money smuggling minerals outside the country,” he added.
</blockquote>
Chidodo said he was tricked by the Al Jazeera news network into making false allegations against Grace Mugabe. He claimed that the individuals who secretly recorded him had lied and initially approached him with an offer of scholarships for his family, but then changed the subject to smuggling minerals out of Zimbabwe. Chidodo also alleged that he was drugged during the recording, which affected his mental state and made him say things he did not remember saying.
Chidodo’s assets, along with those of three other Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe officials, were frozen last month as investigations into their alleged involvement in a gold smuggling scam continue. The government has requested evidence from Al Jazeera regarding the allegations of gold smuggling and money laundering, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife were implicated in the documentary. Uebert Angel, Mnangagwa’s ambassador-at-large, was also featured in the documentary revealing information and naming prominent individuals.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Pindula News

Al Jazeera Gold Mafia: Chidodo Retracts Allegations Against Grace Mugabe

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Reserve_Bank_of_Zimbabwe">Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)</a> has frozen <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a>‘s accounts over alleged gold smuggling, money laundering, bribery, and other corrupt activities. Through the Financial Intelligence Unit, RBZ also froze the accounts of Ewan McMillan, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/accountant-reveals-how-kamlesh-pattni-is-duping-zimbabwe-gold-mafia/">Kamlesh Pattni</a> and <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/rbz-doesnt-have-money-to-buy-gold-rudland-buys-on-its-behalf-al-jazeera/">Simon Rudland</a> stating that it is taking a strong stance against money laundering and is tracking activities that could expose further money laundering by the alleged gold Mafia.
The “gold mafia” were reported to banks on March 30, listing all their accounts and assets, including balances, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/uebert-angel-rudland-accounts-frozen/">The Herald</a> reported citing sources from within the central bank.
Banks were instructed to freeze the accounts and not transfer any funds until investigations are completed by the Financial Intelligence Unit. This directive is effective immediately.
The Al Jazeera documentary – Gold Mafia – captures Uebert Angel offering to use his diplomatic cover to launder large amounts of dirty cash into Zimbabwe, alongside gold smuggling. He repeatedly name-drops the President’s name.
Kenyan-born Kamlesh Pattni is also shown as able to help launder over $100 million. Ewan McMillan and Simon Rudland are portrayed as smugglers, dealing with Fidelity Printers and Refiners to deliver gold bought from small-scale miners to the refinery and then exporting it to Dubai, allegedly providing hard currency for Zimbabwe and laundering millions of dollars.
Other accounts frozen:
The Financial Intelligence Unit also directed banks to freeze the assets of Cleopas Chidodo, David Chirozvi, Mehlululi Dube, and Fredrick Kunaka, as seen in an earlier memo.
Chidodo is the Head of Security at the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, who was captured in Episode 2 of the documentary detailing how he assists gold smugglers in avoiding detection as they transport their contraband to Dubai via Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Chirozvi is the Head of Finance at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Aurex Jewellery, while Kunaka is the general manager of Fidelity Printers and Refiners. Kunaka allegedly received a monthly kickback of US$30 000 from the gold mafia, while Dube, associated with Golden Beryl Private Limited, was allegedly paid US$3 000 per month by the gold smuggling syndicate. The four have been aiding criminal elements in smuggling gold and abusing their positions.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced on Monday that the Zimbabwean government was acting on the allegations raised in the Al Jazeera documentary. She said the government had directed relevant organs to investigate the issues raised. The minister emphasized that boastful behaviour and name-dropping by some personalities featured in the documentary should never be taken as an enunciation of government policy.
Meanwhile, some are sceptical that the accounts have been frozen. They believe the announcement is meant to hoodwink the public into believing that action was being taken against the “gold mafia.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Gold Mafia: RBZ Has Frozen Uebert Angel's Accounts

Zimbabwean preacher, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a> (born <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Hubert Mudzanire</a>) has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa doesn’t take bribes. He made remarks while talking to Al Jazeera’s undercover journalists who posed as money launderers who wanted their dirty money to be cleaned in Zimbabwe. Angel who is portrayed as a gold mafia, tells the journalists that they probably need to pay an “appreciation fee” to meet President Mnangagwa, not bribes.
Angel added that Mnangagwa was donating US$240 million to the ruling party towards the 2023 election campaign. Appearing in the third episode of the four-part Al Jazeera documentary on gold smuggling and money laundering titled Gold Mafia: El Dorado that aired yesterday, Angel said:
<blockquote>
His (Mnangagwa) election, I think they are spending like US$240 million and that is his money.
</blockquote>
Watch the video below for more.
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="256" preload="metadata" width="480"><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bribe.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bribe.mp4</a></video></div>
Angel’s sidekick, Rikki Doolan, a British religious leader and businessperson, claims that all the gold smuggling and money laundering operations are authorised by the president. 
Angel has appeared in all three episodes of the Al Jazeera documentary – Gold Mafia – which allegedly exposes gold smuggling and money laundering operations in Zimbabwe.
In the episodes aired so far, Angel offers to use his diplomatic cover to facilitate gold smuggling and money laundering.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Uebert Angel Says President Mnangagwa Doesn't Take Bribes

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Lawyers_for_Human_Rights"> Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)</a> have condemned bullying and censorship of journalists on social media in the wake of an Al Jazeera documentary which exposes gold smuggling and money laundering in Zimbabwe. In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZLHR said bullying journalists stifles them 
<blockquote>
<h2>ZLHR CONDEMNS BULLYING AND CENSORSHIP OF JOURNALISTS</h2>
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) strongly condemns the brazen bullying of journalists in a desperate attempt to undermine efforts to hold influential and powerful people accountable for their alleged misdemeanours and unduly limit freedom of expression and ultimately curtail access to information. In what amounts to a bizarre act of extraordinary intimidation, one faceless social media enthusiast, who identifies himself as Tinoedzazvimwe on micro-blogging website, Twitter, blatantly threatened media practitioners and labelled them as “reckless journalists” simply for reporting on the contents of a corruption-exposing documentary broadcast by Al Jazeera Investigative Unit and calling on those implicated to be held to account for their actions. 
The social media enthusiast chillingly warned journalists not to repeat and report what is contained in the documentary titled Gold Mafia, which according to Al Jazeera Investigative Unit, was recorded after the Infiltration of four gold smuggling gangs and reveals a giant money laundering and sanctions-evasion scheme in Southern Africa-and warned that some undisclosed “brickbats” would visit those who elect to do so.
There is no excuse to bully, intimidate, threaten, censure and endanger media practitioners. Such threats to journalists curtail freedom of expression and freedom of the media, which is one of the most fundamental rights guaranteed in section 61 of the Constitution and also stifles access to information, which is enshrined in section 62 of the Constitution and all of which are vital to a functioning democracy. 
ZLHR is convinced that this stifling of journalists by some self-important gatekeepers, who are desperate to defend and please some authorities, is a failed attempt to stop the publication and consumption of perceived offensive media reports, which apparently reflect the flow of corruption in Zimbabwe. 
Such gatekeepers need to understand that suppressing journalists will neither change people’s opinions nor generate public support for the commission of corrupt activities. 
It is no coincidence that the intimidation of journalists is being done in the run-up to general elections. 
Bullying of journalists not only puts the lives of journalists in danger but also makes it difficult for journalists to do their work freely. 
This pattern of repression of journalists is not new in Zimbabwe, and ZLHR has, over the years, documented numerous violations by senior government employees and gatekeepers of the late Robert Mugabe and his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 
ZLHR is appalled by the audacity with which journalists are being attacked, and government should not protect authorities or public figures from criticism. Still, it should instead promote space for public debate and free expression in the face of shocking revelations of corruption linked to the pillaging of the country’s natural resources. 
It is worrying to see the space for dissent and providing information of public importance rapidly shrink in Zimbabwe, yet freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. 
Zimbabwean journalists have faced severe obstacles to executing their professional work for several years, including threats, harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary arrest, detention, prosecution and abduction. It is time to dismantle continued impunity.
 Zimbabwean authorities must bring those responsible for the shameless attacks on media practitioners to justice and ensure that all journalists can do their jobs without fear of intimidation or reprisals. 
ZLHR is concerned that this case of threats to the life and safety of journalists could be facilitated by, and form part of, a broader climate of intolerance towards free speech in Zimbabwe. The bullying of media practitioners shows further proof of direct attacks on the civic space in Zimbabwe. 
It comes at a time when Zimbabwe is already hogging the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after introducing retrogressive amendments to the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and introducing so-called patriotism provisions amendments in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which have the effect of curtailing and stifling the operations of non-governmental organisations. 
Although Zimbabwe was removed from the ‘Grey List’ by the Financial Action Task Force in March 2022, the country risks severe consequences if the government does not promptly and adequately address these money laundering allegations. Especially given that such allegations arise barely one year after Zimbabwe was removed from the ‘Grey List’ by the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights Condemn Bullying Of Journalists

The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) has expressed concern over threats issued on social media platforms against journalists for reporting on the Al Jazeera documentary on alleged gold smuggling and money laundering.
MAZ is a network of nine media professional associations, united in defence of freedom of expression. 
The organisation issued the statement after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Charamba">George Charamba</a> threatened to jail journalists reporting on the documentary. In a statement seen by Pindula News, MAZ said:
<blockquote>
<h2>MAZ Statement on threats against journalists on social media</h2>
The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) is gravely concerned with the ominous threats issued on social media platforms against “reckless journalists” that are said to be repeating defamatory statements following the airing of the Al Jazeera documentary on alleged gold smuggling and money laundering. The first installment of the documentary titled: Gold Mafia: The Laundry Service, aired on Thursday, 23 March 2023. 
In a Tweet, one Tinoedza Zvimwe, said: “Friendly advice to all reckless journalists: Al Jazeera is not a court of law before whose claims impart privileges to defamatory utterances. It is merely some weaponised channel.
“If you are reckless enough to repeat what it’s phony documentary defamatorily says, hoping to plead: “I heard/saw it on Al Jazeera, you will be sorry for yourself. Do not for once think there is no grit to act against reckless, defamatory and politically motivated journalism. Faceless Twitter names egging you on will not be factor when brickbats come. Be warned!”
The same Tinoedza Zvimwe similarly and directly warned online publication, The NewsHawks. In other Tweets, such ‘reckless journalists’ were also threatened with imprisonment.
Such dire threats have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
The threats instill fear and self-censorship among journalists, thereby compromising the citizens’ right to access to information as provided for by our Constitution of which the media plays a critical role in the advancement and enjoyment of that right.
</blockquote>
The organisation added that statements that seek to silence journalists go against the reform trajectory that the government has been undertaking, which has seen the outlawing of criminal defamation and the adoption by Cabinet of the principle of co-regulation and acknowledgement of the existence of internal remedies to address grievances against the media.
It also urged the media “to be professional in its conduct as required by the codes and ethics of the profession through accurate, fair and balanced reportage” which does not harm the dignity and integrity of individuals. 
MAZ also said the media in its professional conduct, should always be mindful that in terms of Section 86 of the Constitution (limitation of rights and freedoms), media freedom should be exercised reasonably and with due regard for the rights and freedoms of other persons.
The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe also said instead of issuing threats to journalists, members of the public to approach the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) or the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) for redress if they are aggrieved by the media.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Media Alliance Of Zimbabwe Concerned Over Threats On Journalists

Al Jazeera is today releasing Smoke and Mirrors, episode 2 of its documentary on corruption and plunder in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
The media house’s <a href="https://network.aljazeera.net/en/press-releases/gold-mafia-episode-2-smoke-mirrors">Investigative Unit</a> infiltrates the rival gangs that control Africa’s gold.
Undercover reporters witness how criminal networks turn dirty cash into gold, which is sold around the world. The investigation leads to the highest offices of state in southern Africa.
Gold Mafia looks at how society’s obsession with gold through the ages now underwrites a global shadow economy, which often operates with the complicity of global financial institutions, regulators and governments in the criminality.
Through thousands of confidential documents and exclusive interviews with whistleblowers from within the criminal underworld, investigators obtain the blueprints of billion-dollar money laundering operations that service the political elite.
Undercover reporters pose as criminals with over a billion dollars of dirty money that needs to be cleaned. The team is led by a fictitious Mr Stanley, who presented himself as a Chinese gangster with links to the Triads. His undercover reporters befriend members of rival gold mafia gangs.
The Gold Mafia investigation includes a four-part series, first released on March 23, with later episodes available on March 30, April 6 and 13.
The first episode has been described as ‘explosive’, ‘extraordinary reporting’ and ‘amazing’. Episode 2, called Smoke &amp; Mirrors, reveals how a South African gold mafia launders money from the sale of illicit cigarettes using Zimbabwean gold.
The gang teams up with South Africa’s most notorious money launderer known as Mo Dollars. The investigation reveals in detail how the money is washed.
Thousands of confidential documents expose how an intricate web of shelf companies and fake invoices hide the multi-million-dollar money laundering operation in plain sight.  And as the gold mafia’s money laundering business outgrows its existing infrastructure, they take over banks and government departments.
Their ledgers reveal the names of strategically placed individuals – bank, immigration, and customs officers, and even a central bank governor. These are powerful relationships secured by generous bribes.
This episode also includes further evidence of how individuals close to the Zimbabwean leadership plan to launder $1.2 billion of dirty cash using ‘executive power’.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Al Jazeera Documentary Episode 2: Smoke & Mirrors Out Today

The opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> led by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa">Nelson Chamisa</a> has said it strongly condemns government threats on journalists.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, CCC condemns threats on journalists saying they play a critical role in enhancing democracy, therefore, they must be allowed to conduct their duties freely. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We have noted with great concern the continued threats, harassment and intimidation of journalists by the regime in Harare. We add our voice in support of all journalists who are subject to threats, harassment and worse, because of the work that they do. It should be obvious to all Zimbabweans that this harassment and threats by top government officials are unacceptable. When the threats come from government officials, it is even worse. The work of journalists is vital to an informed public and a healthy democracy. Criticism, critical analysis and exposing unethical practices come with the job. We strongly condemn this behavior. A CCC government will support all members of the fourth estate, both from the private and public media houses. We will pay attention to the safety of journalists and to respect press freedom, which is vital to a functioning democracy and exposing wrongdoing. 
</blockquote>
The statement came after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Charamba">George Charamba</a>, threatened to jail journalists who report on <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Gold Mafia</a>, Al Jazeera’s documentary which exposes gold smuggling operations in Zimbabwe.
Charamba said the documentary was defamatory.
The documentary implicates some government officials and institutions in the illicit trade of gold.
Al Jazeera is scheduled to release episode 02 of the documentary this Thursday.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

CCC Condemns Government Threats On Journalists

Award-winning journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono has said the Al Jazeera investigation unit exposed plunder of fish in Namibia some four years ago and ministers implicated were arrested.
He said the experience is different from the Zimbabwean case where individuals implicated in gold smuggling operations are being protected by the ruling ZANU PF. 
In a post seen by Pindula News, Chin’ono says Zimbabweans now understand why the southern nation is suffering economically. He said:
<blockquote>
The Al Jazeera investigation unit @AJlunit went to Namibia more than 4 years ago, and exposed how a European company was plundering fish.
That film has been watched 1.7 million times in 3 years.
The Zimbabwean Gold smuggling film has been watched 2.1 million times in 3 days.
As Zimbabweans, we now understand why we are suffering economically.
Mutsvangwa’a students companion English won’t change that reality!
The difference between Namibia and Zimbabwe is that the ministers implicated are in jail, in Zimbabwe those implicated are being defended by the ruling party.
A snake can’t bite itself! 
</blockquote>
In Namibia, Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit secretly filmed officials in Namibia demanding cash in exchange for political favours. 
It’s a story of how foreign companies plunder Africa’s natural resources. Using confidential documents provided to Al Jazeera by Wikileaks, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FJ1TB0nwHs">Anatomy of a Bribe</a>” exposes the government ministers and public officials willing to sell off Namibia’s assets in return for millions of dollars in bribes. 
Al Jazeera journalists spent three months undercover posing as foreign investors looking to exploit the lucrative Namibian fishing Industry. 
The country’s Minister of Fisheries is shown willing to use a front company to accept a $200 000 ‘donation’. Exclusive testimony from a whistleblower who worked for Iceland’s largest fishing company reveals that his employers instructed him to bribe ministers and even the president in return for fishing rights worth hundreds of millions of dollars. 
Chin’ono’s comparison of the Namibian and the Zimbabwean cases comes when Al Jazeera released the first of four episodes of its documentary – <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Gold Mafia</a> – which exposes the illicit gold trade in Zimbabwe.
Earlier, Pindula News reported that the Al Jazeera documentary implicates a number of prominent individuals in the gold smuggling scandal. These include <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Henrietta_Rushwaya">Henrietta Rushwaya</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Simon_Rudland">Simon Rudland</a>, Lamkesh Pattni.
It also implicates institutions such as Fidelity Printers and Refineries and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
Smuggling is a big problem in Zimbabwe, and it is hurting the country’s economy.
The country is losing billions of dollars because of the illegal trade of goods like gold, tobacco, fuel, and diamonds.
The government estimates <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zim-last-year-lost-30-34t-of-gold-through-smuggling/">that $1.5 billion</a> is lost each year due to gold smuggling and $300 million due to tobacco smuggling. Fuel shortages have also contributed to smuggling, which results in the loss of revenue for the government. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Al Jazeera Exposed Plunder In Namibia, Ministers Were Arrested - Chin'ono

Hopewell Chin’ono, an award-winning journalist, has decided to stop reporting on a documentary called Gold Mafia by Al Jazeera for his own safety. 
The documentary exposes gold smuggling operations in Zimbabwe. 
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Chin’ono said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, stated that the safety of those who keep reporting on the Al Jazeera documentary was at stake. He said:
<blockquote>
Ladies and Gentlemen, After these continued threats from President Mnangagwa’s spokesman against journalists reporting on the Al Jazeera investigation findings, I won’t be reporting on this story for my own safety. George Charamba has made clear the consequences if we continue.
</blockquote>
In an article published by Pindula News earlier, Charamba said the documentary is defamatory, therefore, journalists must desist from quoting it. He said:
<blockquote>
FRIENDLY ADVICE TO ALL RECKLESS JOURNALISTS: Al-Jazeera is not a court of law before whose claims impart privileges to defamatory utterances. It is merely some weaponised channel. If you are reckless enough to repeat what its phoney documentary defamatorily says, hoping to plead:
“I heard/saw it on Al Jazeera”, you will be sorry for yourself. Do not for once think there is no grit to act against reckless, defamatory and politically motivated journalism. Faceless Twitter names egging you on will not be a factor when brickbats come. Be warned!
</blockquote>
Al Jazeera released the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">first episode</a> of the documentary titled Gold Mafia on Thursday last week.
The documentary implicates a number of prominent individuals in the gold smuggling scandal. These include <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Henrietta_Rushwaya">Henrietta Rushwaya</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a> , <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Simon_Rudland">Simon Rudland</a>, Lamkesh Pattni. 
It also implicates institutions such as Fidelity Printers and Refineries and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
The documentary notes that there is a network of individuals who are exporting gold from Zimbabwe in exchange for dirty money from abroad. The money is then cleaned in Zimbabwe. This is said to be a move to bust sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
Smuggling in Zimbabwe:
Smuggling is a big problem in Zimbabwe, and it is hurting the country’s economy.
The country is losing billions of dollars because of the illegal trade of goods like gold, tobacco, fuel, and diamonds.
The government estimates <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zim-last-year-lost-30-34t-of-gold-through-smuggling/">that $1.5 billion</a> is lost each year due to gold smuggling and $300 million due to tobacco smuggling. Fuel shortages have also contributed to smuggling, which results in the loss of revenue for the government. 
Smuggling creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses and can increase crime and corruption. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

I Won’t Be Reporting On Al Jazeera Documentary For My Own Safety - Chin'ono

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Charamba">George Charamba</a> has threatened to jail journalists for reporting findings of <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Gold Mafia a documentary by Al Jazeera which exposes gold smuggling operations in Zimbabwe</a>.
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Charamba said the documentary is defamatory. He said:
<blockquote>
FRIENDLY ADVICE TO ALL RECKLESS JOURNALISTS: Al-Jazeera is not a court of law before whose claims impart privileges to defamatory utterances. It is merely some weaponised channel. If you are reckless enough to repeat what its phoney documentary defamatorily says, hoping to plead:
“I heard/saw it on Al Jazeera”, you will be sorry for yourself. Do not for once think there is no grit to act against reckless, defamatory and politically motivated journalism. Faceless Twitter names egging you on will not be a factor when brickbats come. Be warned!
</blockquote>
 Al Jazeera released the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">first episode</a> of the documentary titled Gold Mafia on Thursday last week.
The documentary implicates <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Henrietta_Rushwaya">Henrietta Rushwaya</a> (the president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a> (the presidential ambassador at large to the Americas and Europe), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Simon_Rudland">Simon Rudland</a> (the owner of Gold Leaf Tobacco), Lamkesh Pattni (the owner of Suzan General Trading – a jewellery shop), Fidelity Printers and Refineries and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
The documentary notes that there is a network of individuals who are exporting gold from Zimbabwe in exchange for dirty money from abroad. The money is then cleaned in Zimbabwe. This is said to be a move to bust sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
Rushwaya is said to be the one cleaning the dirty money.
Lamkesh Pattni, on the other hand, is allegedly <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/accountant-reveals-how-kamlesh-pattni-is-duping-zimbabwe-gold-mafia/">siphoning cash from Zimbabwe</a> in connivance with ZIMRA officials instead of bringing it from gold and jewellery proceeds. 
Smuggling in Zimbabwe:
Smuggling is a big problem in Zimbabwe, and it is hurting the country’s economy. 
The country is losing billions of dollars because of the illegal trade of goods like gold, tobacco, fuel, and diamonds. 
The government estimates <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zim-last-year-lost-30-34t-of-gold-through-smuggling/">that $1.5 billion</a> is lost each year due to gold smuggling and $300 million due to tobacco smuggling. Fuel shortages have also contributed to smuggling, which results in the loss of revenue for the government. 
Smuggling creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses and can increase crime and corruption. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

George Charamba Has Threatened To Jail Journalists Over Al Jazeera Documentary

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Reserve_Bank_of_Zimbabwe">Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)</a> has been asked to explain the missing US$295 million from gold exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021.
RBZ reported that Zimbabwe exported 28 468kg of gold to UAE for US$1 604 058 775 in 2021.
However, UAE reported that it received 34 340kg of gold from Zimbabwe for US$1 898 899 693 in 2021.
This means US$294 840 918 is unaccounted for or RBZ underreported its exports by that figure. 
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Team Pachedu, an online political activism group, demanded to know how could UAE import more than Zimbabwe exported. Said Team Pachedu:
<blockquote>
Dear @ReserveBankZIM
You reported that Zimbabwe exported US$1.7 Billion gold worldwide in 2021, however, United Arab Emirates says that they imported US$1.9 Billion gold from Zimbabwe in 2021. How does UAE import more than what you exported? Explain the discrepancy!
</blockquote>
This comes as authorities are under fire for alleged gold illicit trade after some government officials and offices were named in Al Jazeera’s documentary – Gold Mafia – as involved in gold smuggling operations.
Episode 01 of the documentary was released last week, episode 02 is expected this Thursday.
In the documentary, Tendai Biti, a former Minister of Finance and Economic Development, claimed that Zimbabwe was losing gold worth about US$1.2 billion every year.
Government officials are denying the allegations.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

RBZ Asked To Explain US$295 Million Missing From Gold Exports To UAE

Zimbabwe’s Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services secretary, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nick_Mangwana">Nick Mangwana</a>, has said countries under sanctions have to find ways of circumventing the sanctions.
His remarks come after <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Al Jazeera</a> released the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">1st episode</a> of its documentary titled <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Gold Mafia</a> which is an expose of illicit trade in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
has attracted brickbats after indirectly defending alleged gold smuggling exposed in Al Jeezera’s documentary Gold Mafia: The Laundry Service.
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Mangwana said:
<blockquote>
Countries under Sanctions have to find ways of circumventing the sanctions. This may mean having to procure supplies through third parties or sell in a grey market. They pay pay a premium for this. This is exactly what the UN Rapporteur Alena Douhan was talking about #RussianOil
</blockquote>
The first of a four-part documentary was aired last week in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ambassador-at-large, Uebert Mudzanire, alias prophet Uebert Angel and the President’s niece Henrietta Rushwaya were implicated in the alleged gold smuggling activities.
The second episode of the documentary is scheduled to air this Thursday.
Responding to Mangwana’s Twitter post, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pedzisai_Ruhanya">Pedzisai Ruhanya</a>, the director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute Mangwana’s tricks won’t work. He posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>
A government spokesperson can’t surely defend gold smuggling, corruption and Stone Age accumulation. This lie won’t stick. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has spoken out that it’s not sanctioned. This area is not Nick’s zone of competence or expertise. We have RBZ digital footprints to falsify the lie by Nick.
Nick Mangwana should read the propaganda model (Herman and Chomsky, 1988) and so clearly understand political communication in the digital age to avoid these childish rants.
</blockquote>
Award-winning journalist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin%27ono">Hopewell Chin’ono</a>, responded to Mangwana’s remarks saying the secretary was lying. He said:
<blockquote>
Mr Nick Mangwana is testing the waters; it is a futile attempt to defend gold smuggling using a lie. The RBZ Governor John Mangudya issued a statement… saying the bank is not sanctioned. Everything else is crude propaganda and lies.
</blockquote>
Before the first episode of the Al Jazeera documentary was screened, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor, John Mangudya said Zimbabwean exports and imports were not under sanctions.
The documentary says Zimbabwe is engaged in illicit trade in gold to “circumvent international sanctions.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Countries Under Sanctions Find Ways Of Circumventing Sanctions - Mangwana

The Office of Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large (OPEAAL), has responded to the Al Jazeera documentary which alleged that Uebert Angel is involved in money laundering and gold smuggling and is part of the “gold mafia”.
A statement released by the Chief Investment Officer at OPEAAL Sobona Mtisi in response to the documentary reads:
RESPONSE TO ALJAZEERA DOCUMENTARY
1. Following the release of the Aljazeera documentary titled The Gold Mafia, there has been a lot of misinformation, speculation, and deliberate efforts to scandalise the Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large, H.E Ambassador Uebert Angel. This statement serves to clarify some of the issues raised. These “investors” called the OPEAAL office, were referred to me, and I met with them. I was present at all the meetings, I know what happened and speak in my own capacity.
2. To start with, this was not a secret investigation as portrayed to the public. For the record, our meetings with them were never secret as is now being portrayed to the public. We met in public places and never in hidden places. I am not at liberty to give reasons because of the legal ramifications if the Office of the Ambassador at Large decides to pursue the legal route.
3. Ambassador Angel was appointed by His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa mainly to facilitate investments into Zimbabwe. The Ambassador At-Large’s Office receives inquiries from prospective investors and facilitates the formalisation of their investments. As the Chief Investment Officer, I engage with potential investors with the view to guide them on the policy and procedures in the sectors of their interest. I also help them to navigate government bureaucracy and facilitate meetings with relevant officials from the public and private sectors. The Ambassador is never the final port of call for any investor. Our office is one of the key starting points for any investor. The decision to invest or not invest is solely at the discretion of the investor. Importantly, all investments have to be registered via the relevant Government agencies.
4. The criminals in the Al Jazeera documentary approached Ambassador Angel fully aware of his position and integrity. They posed as investors from a company called Philips Long, Hong Kong, which represented high-net-worth individuals who were keen to invest outside of Hong Kong. The reason they gave for wanting to move their capital out of Hong Kong was their perceived political risk in Hong Kong. To mitigate their perceived medium to long-term political risk to their capital, they were considering investing in Zimbabwe. We welcomed the opportunity to bring that capital into Zimbabwe. This was the basis for the meetings that we had with “Lee Sin Tong, Investment Adviser for Philips Long “and “Mr Lee, the Fund Manager for Philips Long”, with the view to bring their planned investment to Zimbabwe. They presented a proposal for a casino and gold trading hub at Victoria Falls with the view to registering on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. As patriotic Zimbabweans, we thought their planned investment will enhance Victoria Falls as a prime destination for tourism and create much-needed employment. This was our view. They never presented themselves as criminals needing help to launder money or do something illegal.
5. Our preliminary meetings with investors are aimed at understanding broadly the sector(s) that they want to invest in, their capacity to invest, and previous investing experience. In short, it’s a light touch verification process to enable our office to facilitate meetings with relevant government agencies or private sector players. Part of my meetings with investors is to assess whether a meeting with the Ambassador is warranted. It is at the Ambassador’s discretion to arrange a meeting with the investors and His Excellency, the President, as a way of keeping His Excellency informed of new investments coming into the country in line with OPEAAL’s mandate and Vision 2030.
This is the context within which the meetings were held with the “potential investors”, whom we now know as Al Jazeera journalists. The documentary apparently edits out this context for the obvious reason of wanting to misrepresent facts with the intention of wanting to tarnish the Ambassador’s image and portray Zimbabwe in a negative image. I leave the fact that this documentary is aired prior to our elections to people more qualified than me.
6. In our meetings with these “investors” the discussion shifted to requests of meeting with His Excellency, the President. Ambassador Angel questioned the request. The Ambassador further told them that his word is as good as the President’s word, and it is not necessary to meet the President immediately. He then consulted with the security experts at the organisation’s disposal with regard to the strange request for a meeting with the His Excellency, the President. Ambassador immediately blocked the “investor’s” requests for a meeting with His Excellency, the President. Ambassador’s view was that it’s never standard practice, anywhere in the world, that each and every investor who wants to invest in any country meets the President of that country.
7. Given this strange request, Ambassador Angel suspected something was amiss. He consulted with the Security Experts attached to the OPEAAL, who further advised against arranging a meeting with the President. There was a consensus among the OPEAAL team and security experts that these individuals might not be genuine investors. The challenge was what if the team’s suspicions were wrong, and the country loses billions in investment. On the other hand, what if the team’s suspicions were proved right, what were the implications of meeting these “investors”?
8. After these suspicions, the team switched to ‘red’ protocol, with the decision to proceed with extreme caution, be in the middle, and play along, and never to facilitate a meeting between the “investors” and the His Excellency, the President. With this knowledge, and at the insistence of the “investors” Ambassador Angel made several calls to decoys working with our office. It is these decoys who posed as Henrietta Rushwaya, the First Lady, and the First Son.
9. The calls to the decoys were made in light of the leading questions asked by the “investors”. They kept pushing to have the First Family in the discussion, especially the First Lady and the President. They even threw in figures to help in the charity organisation which Ambassador Angel refused and even told them he had his own money; this part was omitted from the documentary. It’s just amazing how people are made to believe what has been propagated as gospel. The best these people got are the audios from the decoys, they never got the chance to film the President or the First Lady because the Ambassador was already informed by the security agents prior to getting in the meeting that they didn’t have the money they claimed to have. However, as aforementioned, we battled with what if the intelligence is wrong and the country loses the much-needed investment. The decoys helped in asserting that if they were real investors, we would be able to get it from their reactions after the call.
10. There is no way Ambassador Angel could get hold of the First Lady and First Son without pre-arrangements and standard security clearance procedures in place in meeting with the First Family. Moreover, the Ambassador has never met the First Lady. They never met and never had any direct dealings. It would have been prudent for these “investors” to verify if the calls were indeed made to the people that Ambassador claimed to be calling.
11. In the meetings, figures were thrown around for arranging meetings, and Ambassador played along, with the full knowledge that there is no fee required to meet with the President. When we reconvened and reviewed our discussions with these “investors” we noted that the discussion has shifted from investment to other issues that had nothing to do with the proposed investment in Zimbabwe. The Ambassador was already informed by the security agents prior to the meeting that they didn’t have the money they claimed to have. The “investors” failed to produce a confirmation of funds to back their financial capacity to invest in Zimbabwe. Consequently, Ambassador Angel swiftly and immediately called off any further meetings and engagements with these “investors”. He was certain that these are not genuine investors and that these people had another agenda other than investment. This had nothing to do with their failure to pay a “fee”.
12. The utterances made by Ambassador Uebert Angel in the documentary appear to suggest that the Ambassador carried out illegal activities involving gold trade and the movement of cash, but the reality is that the Ambassador has never traded in gold or moved cash for anyone. All his flights are through commercial airlines, not private jets. It is clear from the documentary that Ambassador Angel and his team were never shown trading gold. In this regard, the Ambassador would be right to challenge anyone with evidence that he once traded gold or moved cash to come forward. He also never travelled into or out of Zimbabwe on a private jet. This information is available to the public. These utterances were made with the aim of getting the true picture of these fake investors and it became clear that the intelligence operatives were 100% correct.
13. Honestly, it should be common sense that it’s physically impossible for Ambassador Angel to carry US$1 billion in a bag. The reactions of these fake investors to this suggestion cemented our view that these “investors” were not genuine. It is important to note that as much as they said they had US$1 billion in cash, they did not say it was dirty money that needed to be cleaned. The Ambassador simply wanted to see if they really had the money they claimed to have.
14. It should be noted that Ambassador Angel deals with citizen or people-to-people diplomacy. His office is all about individuals making their own independent decisions to invest in the country. This has seen many investors visit Zimbabwe and some invest in the country. It should also be noted that these investors were all directed to relevant State Institutions for formalisation of their investments. No investment starts and ends with meeting the Ambassador. The investors are always referred to the relevant authorities and Government institutions. The Ambassador has been in business for a long time and knows his way around investors. He helps them to see the truth in the great nation of Zimbabwe. In his engagements, he focuses more on Economic Diplomacy, not Political Diplomacy. The Ambassador pushes all the necessary buttons to convince investors that Zimbabwe is a safe investment destination. He does this by using his own integrity and reputation, at no point does he projects himself as a criminal or shady businessman.
15. To add to this, of all the investors who were facilitated by the OPEAAL, none can claim to have paid a fee to the Ambassador. If anyone out there was made to pay a fee by the Ambassador, may he/she come forward with the evidence, The Ambassador does his work in the noblest and most transparent manner. The recorded episode with the fake investors was clearly a well-crafted ploy to trap the Ambassador and tarnish his image. Indeed there are people who are falling for the propaganda, but time will reveal that there is not a single criminal activity that can be attributed to the Ambassador in his capacity as an Ambassador or as a private citizen.
16. There was never direct communication with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. None of the people working at the Central Bank at airports communicated with the team. In fact, there is never a need for that. All genuine investors follow the formal processes used by local and foreign investors. Given that the ‘investors’ had not indicated any criminal intent, there was never a motive to cut corners or engage in illegal dealings.
17. Throughout the engagements with these fake investors, and indeed in all other engagements, there was never any link with airport authorities or military bases. There was never anytime the President told us to tell them anything. We used our own modus operandi. If anything, everything said and done during the engagements was meant to assure the investors that they were in good hands and that their investments are safe. All this, and more, was taken out of context and scandalised.
18. Ambassador Angel’s role is to market the country with the view of attracting investors to Zimbabwe. His job involves convincing investors that Zimbabwe is indeed open for business and a lucrative investment destination of choice. On top of this, Ambassador Angel is a well-known Prophet and Preacher, he does not present himself as a criminal to investors. As a Prophet, Ambassador Angel is accessible to the public through his live broadcasts and there is nothing in those live broadcasts that suggest he is a criminal. In fact, Al Jazeera drew on his TV content in an attempt to discredit him.
19. In the entire documentary, Ambassador Angel spoke glowingly of the trust the President put in him and his work as a man of God. It is from this background that the Aljazeera operatives presented themselves as investors, not as criminals. There is no incentive for Ambassador Angel to present himself as a criminal to potential investors. In fact, it does not make any sense to say Zimbabwe is open for business in one line and in the next instance present Zimbabwe as a haven of corruption. All the people making crude allegations against the Ambassador cannot provide any evidence showing the Ambassador carrying cash or gold. They are relying on statements that were manipulated and taken completely out of context. As a matter of fact, when gold was mentioned, he resorted to decoys as our ‘red’ protocol demands when intelligence fails to give a conclusive check of the concerned people.
20. Further to this there seems to be an inference that there is money being demanded to see the president. That assertion is false. It further shows the manipulation of the clips to say exactly what these people want to come out. It should also be noted that in bringing the investors, I was responsible for this team. I can categorically state that no one in the OPEAAL team asked for a facilitation fee of any sort.
21. People working in our office are allowed to partner with investors. The documentary left out this for obvious reasons. We don’t receive anything from investors to facilitate their investments. However, anyone who is not connected directly to OPEAAL is at liberty to do so. In this documentary, they are involving the comments of Mr Doolan who is not and has never been, an employee of the OPEAAL office.
22. The Aljazeera documentary was heavily edited to cut out some of the words that the Ambassador said. The documentary also negates the context in which these discussions occurred. The discussion was supposed to be a meeting prior to meeting with the President. It was, in many ways, the opportunity for the Ambassador to gauge the seriousness of the investors and the authenticity of their claims. When it became clear that they had nothing, the Ambassador blocked them from ever meeting the President. If the Ambassador did not use his own tactics to probe them and expose their fakery, the President could have met them and recorded them as part of this documentary. In hindsight, I believe that it would have been better if we had taken them to the President because all this narrative of tarnishing the President would have not succeeded. We have taken several investors to the President and his conduct around investors is always exceptionally professional and transparent. I firmly believe that if we had taken them to the President, they would have left with no toxic narrative to spread.
23. In conclusion, it should be noted that what we initially assumed were criminals that we were vetting before meeting the President, turned out to be undercover journalists. The OPEAAL respects the role of journalists in society as they help to bring accountability. However, the use of “entrapment” and deception is a very poor form of journalism that mostly relies on asking leading questions and trying to put words into subjects’ mouths. In the end, the Aljazeera journalists have all the power to control the narrative by selectively removing some of the statements from the people they “investigated.” There is a lot of material that they omitted which could have provided a better view of the real motives and intentions of the Ambassador when he made some of the statements being used to scandalise him.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Uebert Angel's Office Responds To Al Jazeera Documentary

One of Zimbabwe’s most influential diplomats, Uebert Angel, says he is number two in the country in terms of hierarchy from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
If the claims are anything to go by, it means that Angel occupies a higher position than Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Chiwenga was the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) when the military staged a coup in November 2017, which removed former President Robert Mugabe from power.
Some political commentators believe Chiwenga is the man in charge of the country, with Mnangagwa just the face of the government.
Angel, who was appointed a special envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas by Mnangagwa in 2021, boastfully told Al Jazeera undercover journalists the position was created specifically for him. He said:
<blockquote>
I am an ambassador-at-large; I am an ambassador to 85 countries. As the special envoy, I am a representative of the President.
If you then look on paper in that position, I am number two, and there is no position like that in the country.
It was just one position that was never filled in. And I occupy that, it was created for me.
</blockquote>
Angel is a self-proclaimed prophet at his Good News Church and claims he can heal the sick and predict the outcomes of elections and football matches.
In Episode One of the Al Jazeera documentary, Gold Mafia, Angel boasted that he could assist his guests to launder as much as US$1 billion in cash using diplomatic cover.
Angel appeared to be encouraging them to take advantage of his close ties with Mnangagwa.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Uebert Angel Claims He Is "Number 2" In Zimbabwe

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa says Zimbabwe’s current leadership is corrupt and rotten to the core.
Chamisa made the remarks in response to Thursday’s latest Al Jazeera investigation “Gold Mafia”, which uncovered criminals driving gold smuggling and money laundering worth billions of dollars in Southern Africa. Chamisa tweeted:
<blockquote>
The fish rots from the head #Aljazeeradocumentary exposes the extent of the rot at the top, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
This clearly shows how corrupt, rotten and broken leadership has destroyed a jewel and great country. Zimbabwe is not poor, it’s just poorly governed.
</blockquote>
In a follow-up statement, CCC condemned the corruption, saying the provision of social services in the country has collapsed while millions are being looted. The opposition party said:
<blockquote>
While our health, education and infrastructure systems are on their deathbed, the few elites who are connected to government officials are making at least US$80 million every month through one of our valuable natural resources, gold.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, 23 March, Al Jazeera released Episode One of Gold Mafia (The Laundry Service) a four-part series.
Uebert Angel, a new-age pastor who was appointed a special envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, his deputy Rikki Doolan, and Mnangagwa’s niece Henrietta Rushwaya, who is the president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), are named as part of the mafia.
In “The Laundry Service” episode, a former accountant of Kamlesh Pattni, a gold smuggler implicated in a scandal that robbed Kenya of 10 percent of its GDP in the 1990s, said his former boss is duping Zimbabwean government officials. Said the former accountant:
<blockquote>
He (Pattni) exports jewellery and gold bars to Dubai and the rest of the world. In exchange, he has to bring foreign currency to Zimbabwe. On paper, he is bringing money to Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
The accountant said Pattni would declare a fraction of the value of Zimbabwean gold sold abroad and keep the rest of the proceeds out of the country.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gold Mafia: Zimbabwe's Leadership Rotten To The Core - Chamisa

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) says it is closely following the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Aljazeera_2023_Zimbabwe_Corruption_Documentary">Al Jazeera documentary</a> into alleged gold smuggling and money laundering in the country.
On Thursday, 23 March, Al Jazeera released Episode One (The Laundry Service) of a four-part series on the alleged smuggling of gold in Zimbabwe by well-connected individuals and their associates. ZACC said in a tweet:
<blockquote>
@ZACConline is closely following the Aljazeera broadcast.
</blockquote>
Gold Mafia, a four-part series by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, shows how Zimbabwean government officials and businesspeople are profiting off gold smuggling and money laundering.
The investigation reveals how criminals use gold to whitewash billions of dirty money through a web of shell companies, fake invoices and paid-off officials.
Uebert Angel, a pastor who was appointed a special envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, his deputy Rikki Doolan, and Mnangagwa’s niece Henrietta Rushwaya, who is the president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), are named as part of the mafia.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC "Closely Following" Al Jazeera Broadcast

Opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_African_People%27s_Union">ZAPU</a> has said it is appalled but not shocked by the contents of <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/accountant-reveals-how-kamlesh-pattni-is-duping-zimbabwe-gold-mafia/">episode 01 of Gold Mafia, a documentary by Al Jazeera</a> that details corruption and looting in the mining sector in Zimbabwe. In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZAPU said it knew about corruption in the ruling party since pre-independence. Reads the statement:
<h2>ZAPU’s statement on the AI Jazeera revelations </h2>
Zimbabweans have been waiting impatiently for the explosive documentaries by media group Al Jazeera of the systematic looting and plunder of resources by the ruling elite. Today, the world watched with shock the first instalment of four, detailing how ZANU PF has sanctioned us and the unborn generation to perpetual poverty while a litany of fake prophets, criminals and state operatives mint millions from our national resources. 
ZAPU is appalled but not shocked. We have known that our erstwhile colleagues never sacrificed for the black majority. We knew it pre-independence and we said it post-independence. As a result, over 20 000 of our supporters were murdered in cold blood. The masterminds of the genocide are today occupying the highest offices In the land. To protect their lootocrasy, they even deposed their own godfather through a coup. The lot has even imprisoned journalists for merely reporting the looting. Today we all understand why they had to embarrass their godfather the way they did. 
ZAPU calls on all Zimbabweans, civic organizations, political parties, religious groups, student movements and the youth to prepare for action that will demand that those implicated must account for their actions. We caution every Zimbabwean to wait until all four documentaries our released before any action is taken. We implore all those implicated, including those yet to be Implicated, to relinquish public office immediately and for private citizens to bring into confidence the general population by exposing the real culprits in government robes. 
In the end, which is soon, Zimbabweans must understand that Al Jazeera has pointed at the cracks in the walls of Jericho. They’re wide, but by episode 4, they’ll be wider. All we have to do is push and they’ll collapse. But this calls for the unity of all forces. ZAPU is ready and willing to be part of this revolutionary effort. Our ZPRA heroes, mothers and fathers did not die so that a few white people can own the Reserve bank of Zimbabwe. Our ZANLA colleagues did not perish in Nyadzonia so that families of government leaders loot our country dry. If this does not invoke your revolutionary spirit, then nothing ever will. 
After the last episode, ZAPU will be making an unequivocal call to action. In the meantime, consultations will begin in earnest. We must all be united by our desire to save our motherland from vultures in sheep’s clothing. We are aware that they’ll immediately run a narrative that this gold gate was a sanction-busting scheme. Nobody can be fooled, and as the next episodes will reveal, this is a mafia syndicate which was birthed through the 2017 military coup.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZAPU Appalled But Not Shocked By Al Jazeera Documentary

A former accountant of Kamlesh Pattni, a gold smuggler implicated in a scandal that robbed Kenya of 10 per cent of its GDP in the 1990s has said his former boss is duping Zimbabwe, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/gold-smuggler-pattni-kenya-zimbabwe">Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit)</a> can reveal.
Kamlesh Pattni was involved in the Goldenberg scam, a gold smuggling operation that robbed Kenya of $600mn and led to charges of corruption against many members of then President Daniel Arap Moi’s government.
After years of prosecution, Pattni was acquitted.
Pattni, who later became a self-proclaimed pastor and sometimes goes by the name Brother Paul, is now running a similar scheme in Zimbabwe from his base of operations in Dubai.
The revelation is part of <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia</a>, a four-part series investigating some of Southern Africa’s largest gold smugglers and money launderers.
Undercover Al Jazeera reporters pretending to be Chinese criminals were offered several options by Pattni to launder more than $100mn.
He would do this by effectively turning the dirty money into gold that is exported from Zimbabwe to Dubai, where Pattni owns several gold-trading companies.
Pattni exports gold bars and jewellery from Zimbabwe through his company Suzan General Trading, which gets paid an incentive by the government to sell gold overseas.
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>The plan Pattni suggested would mean the dirty money, in US dollars, would be flown to Harare, where it would be declared as the proceeds of the gold exported by Suzan General Trading.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
That money is then used to buy more gold in Zimbabwe, which would then be exported to one of Pattni’s Dubai-based companies.
Owning both the exporter in Zimbabwe and the importer in Dubai gives Pattni the opportunity to launder the money, which would then be paid into a Dubai bank account and would appear to come from legitimate gold trade. Pattni himself would take a 10 per cent commission.
Kamlesh Pattni Duping Zimbabwe
Documents obtained by Aj Jazeera suggest that Kamlesh Pattni is duping Zimbabwe. 
One of his former accountants told Al Jazeera:
<blockquote>
He exports jewellery and gold bars to Dubai and the rest of the world. In exchange, he has to bring foreign currency to Zimbabwe. On paper, he is bringing money to Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
When Pattni’s couriers return to Zimbabwe, they declare the cash at the airport. The accountant added: 
<blockquote>
Anyone bringing currency has to declare it at the airport with the Form 47 that generally we call the blue form.
</blockquote>
One of Pattni’s former employees said they bring the cash but overstate the amount of cash they would have brought to the country. Said the anonymous former employee:
<blockquote>
Sometimes they’re bringing some cash from there and then they declare it. But the amount is less. They’re not declaring the actual amounts. They bring 50 000, sometimes 100 000 but they declare it as one million or two million.
</blockquote>
In one blue form obtained by Al Jazeera, Pattni states that he brought US$1 219 723.20 from selling jewellery in Dubai. But Pattni does not bring US$1 219 723.20 to Zimbabwe. His former accountant said:
<blockquote>
They give bribes to the customs guys there. They tell them to stamp their blue form, put the amount they are bringing as $1.2 million but actually he didn’t bring that $1.2 million amount.
</blockquote>
A document obtained by Al Jazeera suggests that instead of US$1 219 723.20, Pattni brought US$99 850.
He leaves the bulk of the money he got from selling Jewellery in Dubai. 
But that affects his ability to buy gold in Zimbabwe. He does not have US$1.2 million as declared. His former accountant says he would go on the market.
He collects United States dollars from his clients in Zimbabwe and buys gold which he exports as before. He collects his 18% per cent commission from the Zimbabwean government. He uses it to pay his clients in Dubai. The accountant added:
<blockquote>
With gold exports, Kamlesh Pattni is pretending that he is helping the country with foreign reserves. He is not bringing any foreign currency inside the country. He is taking all foreign reserves outside the country. He’s just making a fool of the people around him, the government officials.
</blockquote>
This explains the continued shortage of foreign currency in Zimbabwe despite huge exports. The money does not enter the Zimbabwean economy.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Accountant Reveals How Kamlesh Pattni Is Duping Zimbabwe - Gold Mafia

<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/gold-smuggler-pattni-kenya-zimbabwe">Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit)</a> has reported that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is broke and relies on individuals like <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Simon_Rudland">Simon Rudland</a> for money to buy gold.
In episode 01 of its documentary titled Gold Mafia, Al Jazeera says Simon Rudland is connected to ZANU PF ruling elite including the late former Foreign Affairs minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sibusiso_Moyo">Sibusiso Moyo</a>.
Rudland, who survived <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-assassination-attempt-on-zimbabwean-businessman-simon-rudland/">an assassination attempt</a> in South Africa in 2019, has a different deal with the government.
Simon Nango, South African Airways Customer Service Agent, explained that Rudland has a contract to move gold to Dubai and get cash to Zimbabwe.
Rudland’s bags are exempted from search. They use Emirates. He has serious buyers in Dubai, Nango says.
Airport officials will be waiting for Rudland’s several couriers who fly to Dubai with gold and back to Zimbabwe with cash. 
The documentary says due to sanctions on the southern African nation, importing cash is difficult and gold is one of the effective ways of dealing with that problem. Therefore, Rudland helps bust sanctions on behalf of the government. 
According to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Aljazeera_2023_Zimbabwe_Corruption_Documentary">Ewan Macmillan</a>, another mafia in the Al Jazeera documentary, the Zimbabwean government does not have the money to buy gold from miners. That’s where Rudland comes in. 
Rudland has money from his company, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gold_Leaf_Tobacco_Zimbabwe">Gold Leaf Tobacco</a>. According to Ewan Macmillan, Rudland then lends the government the money to buy gold from miners.
Rudland provides an advance payment to Fidelity Printers and Refiners, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, which is the sole buyer, refiner and exporter of the precious metal.
Fidelity, a subsidiary of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Reserve_Bank_of_Zimbabwe">Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe</a>, buys the gold and gives it to Rudland to export.
Former Finance and Economic Development Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti">Tendai Biti</a>, says Zimbabwe is losing approximately US$1 billion per year through smuggling and Rudland is at the centre of the operation.
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RBZ Doesn't Have Money To Buy Gold, Rudland Buys On Its Behalf - Al Jazeera

Kamlesh Pattni, a gold smuggler implicated in a scandal that robbed Kenya of 10 per cent of its GDP in the 1990s has moved his smuggling operation to Zimbabwe and Dubai, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/gold-smuggler-pattni-kenya-zimbabwe">Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit)</a> can reveal.
Kamlesh Pattni was involved in the Goldenberg scam, a gold smuggling operation that robbed Kenya of $600mn and led to charges of corruption against many members of then President Daniel Arap Moi’s government. 
After years of prosecution, Pattni was acquitted.
Pattni, who later became a self-proclaimed pastor and sometimes goes by the name Brother Paul, is now running a similar scheme in Zimbabwe from his base of operations in Dubai.
The revelation is part of <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia</a>, a four-part series investigating some of Southern Africa’s largest gold smugglers and money launderers.
Undercover Al Jazeera reporters pretending to be Chinese criminals were offered several options by Pattni to launder more than $100mn.
He would do this by effectively turning the dirty money into gold that is exported from Zimbabwe to Dubai, where Pattni owns several gold-trading companies.
Pattni exports gold bars and jewellery from Zimbabwe through his company Suzan General Trading, which gets paid an incentive by the government to sell gold overseas.
The plan Pattni suggested would mean the dirty money, in US dollars, would be flown to Harare, where it would be declared as the proceeds of the gold exported by Suzan General Trading.
That money is then used to buy more gold in Zimbabwe, which would then be exported to one of Pattni’s Dubai-based companies.
Owning both the exporter in Zimbabwe and the importer in Dubai gives Pattni the opportunity to launder the money, which would then be paid into a Dubai bank account and would appear to come from legitimate gold trade. Pattni himself would take a 10 per cent commission.
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Kamlesh Pattni: Gold Smuggler, Pastor Moves Operation To Zimbabwe, Dubai After Kenya Scandal

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Hubert Mudzanire</a> alias <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a>, the founder of the Spirit Embassy, The Good News Church, has said he has the authority to sign deals and treaties with other countries on behalf of Zimbabwe without consulting President Mnangagwa.
On 17 March 2021, Uebert Angel was appointed Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large for Europe and the Americas. Angel was appointed to seek trade and investment opportunities.
In an <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Al Jazeera documentary – Gold Mafia</a> – which is an expose on corruption and looting in the mining sector, Angel said as a plenipotentiary, he has full authorisation to sign a treaty or convention on behalf of President Mnangagwa.
He made the remarks while talking to a delegation of one Mr Stanley, an undercover Al Jazeera reporter who was investigating illicit financial flows in Zimbabwe.
His remarks were meant to assure Mr Stanley that his word was binding.
Mr Stanley pretended to have huge sums of dirty money which he needed to be cleaned. 
Angel said it was possible as he had signed such deals before.
He then called Henrietta Rushwaya, President Mnangagwa’s niece and President of the Zimbabwe Mining Federation.
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/rushwaya-cleans-us5-million-dirty-money-weekly-al-jazeera/">Rushwaya agreed</a> and offered to sell 100kgs of gold at a 4% per cent discount.
If Mr Stanley wanted to clean US$10 million, he would pay US$5 to Fidelity Printers and Refineries, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Fidelity would keep the money for the duration of the relationship between Zimbabwe and Mr Stanley. The remaining US$5 million would be used to buy gold.
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Uebert Angel Says He Can Sign Treaties With Other Countries Without Consulting The President

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Henrietta_Rushwaya">Henrietta Rushwaya,</a> the president of the Zimbabwe Mining Federation, is allegedly cleaning US$5 million in dirty money weekly on a rotational basis.
In <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-episode-01-of-al-jazeeras-gold-mafia/">Episode 01 of Al Jazeera’s documentary</a> titled Gold Mafia, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel</a> who is the presidential envoy to the Americas and Europe calls Rushwaya and asks her if she can sell gold to one Mr Stanley who has dirty money. 
Angel says Mr Stanley would send a private jet every week to bring the money and collect the gold, as in another deal Angel and Rushwaya secured in Dubai.
The clients would get 100kgs every week less four per cent from international price. That means they get at a 4% discount.
From one deal brokered by Uebert Angel, the mafia is required to pay U$10 million in dirty cash to Fidelity Printers and Refiners. 
Rushwaya told Angel over the phone that US$5 million will be held at Fidelity for the duration of the relationship between the mafia and Zimbabwe. She added:
<blockquote>
They get gold worth US$5 million every week. They take it out. Bring another US$5 million. If they are bringing US$20 million, US$10 they put into Fidelity.
</blockquote>
This means half of the amount will remain with Fidelity, Rushwaya would clean US$5 million weekly as usual while the remaining US$5 million would be cleaned by one of her companies.
This means the mafia can launder ten million a week. 
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/just-in-zrp-arrests-henrietta-rushwaya-for-trying-to-smuggle-gold/">Rushwaya was arrested in 2020 for trying to smuggle 6 KGs of purified gold</a> out of the country. She was reportedly planning to leave Zimbabwe for United Arab Emirates’ tourist hub Dubai when she was intercepted by law enforcement agents. Rushwaya told Angel over the phone:
<blockquote>
You can easily open an account for them under one of your many companies. We are the only sector in the country that is paying in foreign exchange on cash basis.
</blockquote>
According to the Al Jazeera documentary, the Zimbabwean Reserve Bank is involved in money laundering mainly because the southern African nation is under sanctions.
The governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Dr John Mangudya recently said <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/there-are-no-sanctions-on-zimbabwean-exports-and-imports-rbz/">there are no sanctions on Zimbabwean exports and imports</a> adding that the southern African nation could export gold freely. 
However, the documentary says gold cannot be traced, unlike cash that why Zimbabwean authorities prefer illicit deals. 
Angel says he has a company called Billion Group which he owns. He says the company is in Zimbabwe, operating in Zimbabwe. He says when individuals with dirty money come, they just approach Billion Group instead of approaching someone they don’t know.
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Rushwaya Cleans US$5 Million Dirty Money Weekly - Al Jazeera

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Insurance_and_Pensions_Commission">Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC)</a> has written to insurance companies asking for information on <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zimbabwean-gold-dealer-says-chiwenga-is-a-dunderhead/">Ewan Macmillan</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Uebert_Angel">Uebert Angel.</a>
 This was after the duo appeared in snippets of a yet-to-be-released <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Aljazeera_2023_Zimbabwe_Corruption_Documentary">Al Jazeera documentary on corruption and looting</a> in Zimbabwe. 
In a letter seen by Pindula News, IPEC asked for information on Macmillan and Angel’s insurance products and insured assets held or disposed of. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
<h2>FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON: EWAN MACMILLAN AND UEBERT MUDZANIRE alias UEBERT ANGEL</h2>
1. The Insurance and Pensions Commission (the Commission) is required in terms of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act [Chapler 9:24] to coordinate with Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the assessment of the money laundering and terrorist financing risks to which the country is exposed. 
2. Pursuant to the above, we are in receipt of an urgent communication from the FIU requesting all industry players to assist with information on: 
(i) insurance products: 
(ii) insured assets held or disposed, 
by the above-mentioned individuals directly, or indirectly through companies or trusts during the period 1 January 2020 and 21 March 2023.
3. You are therefore required to submit your responses to (email addresses removed) within the next 48 hours, latest by mid-day Thursday 23 March 2023. 
4. The information being requested is confidential, in terms of section 31 of the MLPC Act and therefore should be regarded as such. 
5. Your usual cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Yours sincerely, 
Grace Muradzikwa 
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, PENSION AND PROVIDENT FUNDS
</blockquote>
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IPEC Requests Information On Ewan Macmillan And Uebert Angel

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti">Tendai Biti,</a> the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament for Harare East legislator has said Zimbabwe is losing over US$2 billion in illicit financial flows.
Biti, a former Minister of Finance and Economic Development, urged the government of Zimbabwe to consider enacting laws to deal with illicit financial flows which he said are bleeding the southern African nation.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Biti said he was concerned about the issue of illicit financial flows in Zimbabwe. <a href="https://openparly.com/govt-urged-to-deal-with-illicit-financial-flows-as-al-jazeera-readies-corruption-documentary/">Open Parly</a> quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
We are losing over US$2 billion annually in illicit financial flows.
What we are losing in terms of illicit financial flows is actually more than what we are getting in terms of diaspora remittances US$1 billion, what we are getting in terms of foreign aid or overseas development assistance and what we are getting in terms of foreign investment which is around $200 million.
The major culprits are the mining houses – organisations such as the ZimPlats of this world, the Unkies of this world who are guilty of transfer pricing, thin capitalization, under-invoicing and over-invoicing.
It (mining sector) is accounting for $6/$7 billion a year, yet billions are getting out of our country. We have got 65 minerals, but they are not benefiting our country. Most of the mining model in Zimbabwe is extractive. You come in, you loot and you get out leaving total destruction, unemployment and so forth.
Look at the status of Mhangura in Mashonaland West Province, it is a ghost town.  Go to Renco in Masvingo, the road there looks like a road that was built in 1492 but they have been getting gold from our country. 
So I urge that the Minister of Finance and Minister of Industry and Commerce should come up with legislation that deals with illicit financial flows from this country.
We are losing a billion USD from tobacco smuggling, a billion USD from gold smuggling on its own and we are now losing possibly $2 billion on lithium alone.  Lithium yavakungo pwititika muZimbabwe.
As I am talking to you right now, the price of lithium is US$80 000 a tonne. That is the new black gold, and we have nothing to show for it. Our people are suffering; 79% of our people are living in extreme poverty, 95% are unemployed, yet on paper, we are a very rich country.
</blockquote>
His remarks come as Al Jazeera is set to release <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/al-jazeera-investigations-on-zimbabwe-broadcast-postponed-due-to-technical-issues/">a documentary -The Gold Mafia: Laundry Service</a> – on Thursday 23 March 2023 which is allegedly an expose on illicit activities happening in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Illicit financial flows are said to be happening in the mining and agriculture sectors which are the key pillars of the economy. 
Former President, the late <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Robert_Mugabe">Robert Mugabe</a> at one time claimed that the country had lost about US$15 billion due to illicit deals in the diamond mining sector.
Small Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya was caught at the airport trying to smuggle about 6kgs of purified gold. There have been several others too who have been caught.
Meanwhile, Parliament recently concluded consultations on the Mines and Minerals Bill which is before Parliament and will be getting into Second Reading soon. The Bill is anticipated to bring order in the mining sector, as well as try to plug loopholes for illicit financial flows. 
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Zimbabwe Losing Over US$2 Billion Annually In Illicit Financial Flows - Biti

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