Johannesburg – Two Zimbabwean nationals appeared in the Springbok Magistrate's Court on Monday, for dealing and possession of uncut diamonds worth more than R1.7 million, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said.
Spokesperson Captain Philani Nkwalase said Hardlife Bhebhura, 35, and Rodrigues Lima Jose Jorge, 49, were arrested in Springbok on Sunday, as the alleged kingpins of the illegal diamond dealing operation after an undercover investigation.
"The Hawks intelligence driven investigation project started in 2012, yielded desired results in ensuring that illegal diamond dealers are detained and their operations are completely halted," Nkwalase said.
Nkwalase said the investigations uncovered the alleged illegal enterprise operating through runners from Springbok, Port Nolloth and Steinkopf.
"The illegally acquired diamonds would eventually be exported out of the country. Upon their arrest about 123 Diamonds (-90.43 carats) worth more than R1.7 million were recovered."
Nkwalase said Lima was released on R25 000 bail while Bhebhura was remanded in custody and his bail application would be heard on February 01.