Central SA
Trio arrested for dealing in unpolished diamonds─── 07:48 Sun, 21 May 2023
Three suspects are expected to appear in a Northern Cape court again in July after being arrested for allegedly dealing in unpolished diamonds.
They made a brief appearance before the Upington Magistrate's Court on Friday and were granted R5 000 bail each.
Lionel Cloete, Owen Kowa and Motale Joseph Kheola were arrested on Thursday by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.
"Information was received regarding a male suspect intending to sell [an] unpolished diamond.
"A disruptive operation was conducted where suspects were apprehended immediately after a potential buyer purchased unpolished diamond amounting to R120 000.
"The team also managed to seize five (5) cell phones, one (1) unpolished diamond, four (4) carat and a BMW 3 series."
