The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy hearing on the diamonds case failed to kick off as earlier arranged due to non-attendance by legislators as they are currently preparing for primary elections ahead of the harmonised polls.

The Chairperson of the committee Mr Temba Mliswa told the witnesses who attended that the hearing would resume on the 19th of April next week.

Vice President Kembo Mohadi was excused as he is currently away on government business.

Among those who had attended was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Mr Martin Rushwaya.