UPINGTON – Three foreign nationals have been convicted in a major illegal diamond trading case after police uncovered more than R300 000 in cash linked to the unlawful sale of a diamond allegedly mined at an abandoned Northern Cape mine.
The Upington Regional Court convicted Zimbabwean nationals Victor Tapiwa (45) and Sipho Dube (46), together with Mozambican national Roy Owen Chauke (43), following an intelligence-driven police operation near Port Nolloth in February 2023.
Discovery made at roadblock
The trio were travelling in a white Mercedes-Benz when members of the SAPS, conducting an Operation Phakisa roadblock along the R382 between Port Nolloth and Kleinzee, stopped and searched the vehicle.
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Officers discovered R100 000 in cash concealed in the luggage of each accused. According to evidence presented in court, Tapiwa attempted to flee into nearby veld after police questioned him about the source of the money. Prosecutors said he later admitted the cash originated from the sale of a diamond recovered from the abandoned Nattaboi mine; and allegedly attempted to bribe a police officer to evade arrest.
Dube was also arrested after allegedly attempting to escape during immigration screening procedures, while Chauke later confessed that the three men had illegally obtained and sold a diamond for R300 000 before sharing the proceeds equally among themselves.
Investigators established that none of the accused possessed the required licences to buy or sell unpolished diamonds in South Africa.
The court further heard that two other occupants travelling in the vehicle were released after police had found no evidence linking them to the crimes.
State’s argument triumphs in court proceedings
Although all three accused pleaded not guilty during trial proceedings in July 2025 and challenged the admissibility of confessions and admissions made to police, the state successfully argued that the statements had been made freely and voluntarily.
On Thursday 14 May, the court convicted Tapiwa of possession of proceeds of unlawful activities, corruption and contravening immigration laws. Dube was convicted of possession of proceeds of unlawful activities and violating the Immigration Act, while Chauke was convicted of selling an unpolished diamond and possession of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court imposed largely suspended prison sentences, but ordered Tapiwa and Dube to serve 30 days’ direct imprisonment for immigration offences. Authorities were also granted a forfeiture order to seize R304 400 identified as proceeds of unlawful activities.
