The Kimberley Process delegation currently investigating allegations regarding killings and abuses in Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond field has asked for the suspension of diamond production and exports from the area until effective security measures can be introduced.

The interim report, which was submitted by the 11-member Kimberley Process delegation to Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines on Saturday, also recommended the withdrawal of armed forces from the diamond fields area.

Human Rights Watch recently alleged that the Zimbabwe military had killed more than 200 people in the district and buried them in mass graves. The Zimbabwe government denied the allegations.

Deputy Mines Minister Murisi Zwizwai stated that his ministry will report on the Kimberley Process delegation’s findings to the unity government's cabinet today.