A year has now gone by since the signing of the power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe. Notice that I didn’t say ‘historic’ signing of the agreement - because that would mean that the agreement would have been implemented and the country would have enjoyed a year’s worth of suitable government.

But it just hasn’t happened.

Mugabe continues to stonewall on the outstanding issues in parliament, administration and cabinet - and refuses to move.

Not even one inch.

Somehow he has managed to sideline the authority of SADC - to the point that the majority of those that are members are happy to allow Mugabe to step away from the body’s tribunal, and to stand and ridicule the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) who are struggling to establish any powerbase with Mugabe’s ZANU PF.

One of the things that Mugabe keeps close to his chest is the diamond fields of Chiadzwa in the Eastern Highlands.

I know that I have written on this page before about the diamond fields, but, as so little has changed with regards to the diamond fields, it probably warrants another mention.

Mugabe has had his very pro-ZANU PF army take control of the diamond find. When I say ‘control’, I don’t mean a proper environment where any and all persons within the cordon are vetted and security passed, I mean ‘control’ as for they will allow the upper echelons of ZANU PF to move in en masse and remove the diamonds at will.

Anyone found in the fields without the required authority - passed only by senior military officers, is dealt with ruthlessly… sometimes resulting in the death of the transgressor.

Just this morning on the internet was a story of yet another death in the fields.

“The military’s brutal grip on the diamond fields in Chiadzwa, which has continued despite an international report recommending the demilitarisation of the zone, has resulted in yet another death reportedly at the hands of soldiers based there.

According to the Mutare based Centre for Research and Development, soldiers based in Chiadzwa kidnapped, tortured and murdered an apparent ‘illegal’ diamond panner over a week ago. The man, Moreblessing Tirivangani from Harare died on Sunday 6th September after he was apparently beaten by soldiers throughout the previous night. The Centre for Research and Development has reported that police, who transported Tirivangani’s body to the Mutare General Hospital Mortuary, were ordered to report that Tirivangani ‘had tried to disarm a soldier.’

“This is highly untrue given that soldiers always move around in pairs or more. Also given the general fear among the people with regard to soldiers, it is very unthinkable that a civilian can try to disarm a soldier in a highly militarised zone like Chiadzwa,” the Centre reported.”

The ability that ZANU PF has - and uses to their distinct advantage - to report anything that may damage their reputation, even in the face of evidence to the contrary, is demonstrated within this article.

Mugabe cries that Zimbabwe is broke. He cries that ZANU PF is broke. But then he proceeds to do nothing for the people of Zimbabwe - nothing whatsoever.

Keeping the population starved, without adequate housing, medical services, education or employment means that the people are preoccupied with getting through each day instead of being able to better their lot in life, which allows Mugabe and his lackies to convert the produce of the diamond field to their own financial pot.

It is also reported that there are many of the soldiers in place that have taken to mining illegally during the night.

As one soldier put it, “How can a man die of thirst when he is standing in the middle of a river?”

Mugabe’s lust for opulence is second only to his want for power.

Robb WJ Ellis The Bearded Man