An alleged illicit diamond dealer syndicate is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court this week, facing a charge of illegal diamond dealing. A 39-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, 27 January, during the police’s nationwide crime fighting initiative, Operation Shanela.
The operation consists regular stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, vehicle check points, and high visibility patrols including foot patrols.
Lt Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson of the police in the Mangaung municipality, said the alleged dealer was busted at a mall in Heatherdale Road, Heidedal, while trying to sell rough uncut diamonds.
“The suspect had five stones in his possession. Three were real and two fake. He was immediately arrested because he did not have a license to deal with precious stones,” said Covane. He said a case of possession of Illicit diamonds was opened at the Heidedal police station for further investigation.
Covane said the alleged illicit diamond syndicate arrest came after police members received reliable information whilst busy with Operation Shanela actions.
“They received information from a manager of a retail store that buys and sells merchandise. The team rushed to the mall in Heatherdale Road and found the man attempting to sell rough uncut diamonds,” said Covane.
The value of the confiscated diamonds is yet to be determined.
