Zimbabwe 'to investigate' diamond mine corruption

A BBC investigation has uncovered that officials in Zimbabwe responsible for curbing illegal diamond panning are implicated in the illicit export of the gems.

According to the country's ministry of mines, Eastern Manicaland province is home to a quarter of the world's unmined diamonds.

Last week the Kimberley Certification Process agreed to allow Zimbabwe to resume the limited export of diamonds from fields in the east of the country.

Exports were suspended in November last year in response to allegations of atrocities committed by security forces at the fields.

The government has vowed to investigate the police and army officials alleged to be involved in the corruption.

BBC Network Africa's Brian Hungwe began his investigation in the eastern city of Mutare.

First broadcast on 23 July 2010