A Hawks operation targeting illegal dealing in diamonds has led to the arrest of three male suspects, aged between 40 and 55 years, in Welkom.
They made their first appearance in the Welkom Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 7 June, for alleged contravention of the Diamonds Act 56 of 1986.
Information was received about diamond smuggling involving the suspects, says Lt. Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, a spokesperson for the Hawks.
Members of the Hawks in Welkom, assisted by Crime Intelligence, operationalised the information. On Wednesday, 5 June, three suspects driving in a Mercedes Benz were cornered at the Goldfields Mall in Welkom.
They were in possession of six uncut, unpolished diamonds.
