HARARE - Marange businessperson Newman Chiadzwa has won an appeal authorising him to demand compensation for his diamonds confiscated following his arrest in 2006.

Chiadzwa, who was represented by Thabani Mpofu, appealed to the Supreme Court following a High Court order dismissing his bid to recover the diamonds following his acquittal.

Judges Vernanda Ziyambi, Paddington Garwe and Anne-Mary Gowora yesterday granted the appeal, setting aside the High Court order.

In the Supreme Court appeal, Chiadzwa cited police commissioner general Augustine Chihuri and commanders at CID minerals department and the Attorney General as respondents.

Chiadzwa’s diamonds were confiscated by police following his arrest in 2006 for contravening the Precious Stones and Trade Act after he was found in possession of 8,4kg of diamonds.

In 2010, Chiadzwa was convicted on the charges and sentenced to five years in jail before he successfully contested the ruling.

“At the relevant time possession of industrial diamonds was not an offence,” he told the court.

After his acquittal, Chiadzwa said there was no basis for the police to continue holding on to the property. He approached the High Court seeking an order to recover his diamonds, which are with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe awaiting evaluation. - Tendai Kamhungira