HARARE - Deputy minister of Mines and Mining Development Gift Chimanikire is under fire from his party for publicly defending his boss, Obert Mpofu on the source of his wealth.

Chimanikire told a diamond conference review breakfast meeting in Harare on Wednesday that Mpofu has been unfairly accused of looting diamonds wealth saying the minister of Mines made his fortune through his sweat.

Douglas Mwonzora, MDC spokesperson, said the party is demanding an explanation from Chimanikire as he “does not have the capacity to determine the wealth that is in the hands of Mpofu.”

“What Chimanikire said does not represent the MDC,” Mwonzora said.

“As far as the MDC is concerned, Obert Mpofu must prove his innocence over his acquisitions which he is now using for programmes that are tantamount to vote-buying.”

Mwonzora said Chimanikire is trying to “provide flattery to Mpofu” but does not have the “ability nor means” to determine sources of Mpofu’s wealth.

“It is still early to say what measures will be taken against Chimanikire but he will be called to the party to explain himself,” said Mwonzora.

Mwonzora said any person who goes against the party’s stance has to explain.

“There is no one who is above the law. If someone makes a statement that goes against the party then they must explain.

“In the case of Chimanikire, he has to tell the party what he meant,” said Mwonzora.