Diamond theft: suspects surrender to Hawks

Eight suspects allegedly involved in a huge illicit diamond dealing syndicate have handed themselves over to The Hawks and are due to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court. Image: IMBLaw

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations ("The Hawks") spokesman, Captain Paul Ramaloko said nineteen men were arrested last week in Gauteng, the Northern Cape, Free State and North West for trading in illegal diamonds in Kimberley.

The suspects arrested last week appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court on Monday (25 August) and were granted bail ranging from R500 to R500,000.

Ramaloko said the eight men, who turned themselves in, will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court with the rest of the group.

"We have been working to bust this syndicate for over a year in conjunction with the diamond industry," said Ramoloko.

The Hawks received a tip-off about the illicit trading of diamonds and set up a sting operation where they traded diamonds with the group.

Ramoloko said they expect to make more arrests in the case.