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THAMER al Shanfari, the mega-rich former chairman of Cayman Islands-based mining company Oryx Natural Resources (ONR) believed to own the Glen Lorne house where crack units drawn from the police, immigration, Central Intelligence Organisation and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority flushed out two suspected diamond and gold dealers before deporting them, has threatened to use financial muscle to shut down the Zimbabwe Independent for reporting on the story which has angered him.

The Independent last week reported two senior Zanu PF politburo members, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Didymus Mutasa and his Indigenisation counterpart Saviour Kasukuwere, were linked to Israeli and Russian underworld gold and diamond dealers who were recently deported after a raid on their hideout in Harare's Glen Lorne suburb. The house is believed to be owned by Shanfari.

Mutasa and Kasukuwere confirmed going to the property located at Number 57 Follyjon Crescent during the January 3 raid. Mutasa however said he was only visiting, while Kasukuwere said he had gone there to meet some South African investors who wanted information on the indigenisation programme.

But those involved in the raid said the ministers were called by Russian national, Alexander Filegon alias Alexander Filatov and an Israeli Mike Raslan, who were accused of being diamond and gold dealers, to rescue them.

The story incensed Shanfari. In reaction, his lawyer Gerald Mlotshwa of GN Mlotshwa& Company Legal Practitioners initially called last Friday to complain but it was agreed that Shanfari, who was not part of the story besides mentioning that he owned the house and providing his background, wouldbe interviewed to give his own side of the story.

The Independent on Tuesday contacted Mlotshwa over the issue and it was agreed the interview would go ahead. However, midstream Shanfari dramatically changed and in subsequent conversations he exploded and threatened to close the newspaper.

Shanfari, instead of giving his own side of the story given the overwhelming public interest in the matter as shown by the involvement of two ministers, chose to threaten to close the newspaper and go after its journalists.

"You don't know who I am and what I do. You are fighting the wrong person and I will make sure your newspaper is closed," said Shanfari. "Do you know who I am? I'm going to go after you (Independent),"

He was particularly angered by a picture of his house which appeared in the paper showing part of his property which was raided by the police. He accused the Independent of being unprofessional for taking pictures of his house and "tarnishing his image".

"You guys are very unprofessional. Why did you take pictures of my house? I have reported you to the police," he said. "I will make sure your newspaper is closed."

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Zimbabwe: Tycoon Shanfari Threatens to Close Independent