The Sunday Mail
THE Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe has filed an urgent High Court application seeking an interdict to stop Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made from issuing maize meal import permits.
In papers filed by lawyer Mr Tonderai Bhatasara, GMAZ said maize meal imports would hurt farmers and millers.
Dr Made is being sued jointly with Rayclash Trading Private Limited, Benbound Investments Private Limited, Bhagaji Trading Private Limited and the Attorney-General.
GMAZ says the on-going importation has resulted in flooding of the local market with dangerous genetically modified maize meal.
“The conduct of the first respondent (Dr Made) has violated the right of applicant and its members contained in Section 68(1) 62(1), 15 and 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“The applicant and its constituent members will suffer irreparable harm if relief is not granted as elaborated in the founding affidavit.
“The applicant now seeks that the operation of these permits be suspended and the cessation of issuance of new ones.
“The 1st respondent has issued import permits or licences for the importation of maize meal into Zimbabwe. The permit holders have already started importing GMO maize meal into Zimbabwe.”
In the National Assembly a fortnight ago, Industry and Trade Deputy Minister Chiratidzo Mabuwa condemned importation of mealie meal.
“The importation that has been authorised by Government is to import maize and not mealie-meal, whether it is GMO which is not allowed in this country or not, mealie-meal no, but maize seed yes.”
