A prosecution guided multi-disciplinary operation led by Northern Cape Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit has resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, following the arrest of the last (ninth) suspect who was traced this morning and arrested. The suspects were arrested in Gauteng and North West Provinces in an operation that resumed on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday morning.

The syndicate is alleged to be involved in dealing with unpolished diamonds and fraud. The mastermind/ leader allegedly advertised unpolished diamonds on social media and invited potential investors to invest in his alleged diamond dealing business, with a promise of a lucrative return which never materialised.

The suspects include a couple wherein the husband is alleged to be the mastermind behind the scam, along with his wife.

The investors were scammed of more than R4 billion since 2019.

Investigations still continue and more arrests are imminent.

The suspects are expected to appear in Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’
Court on Thursday, 24 October 2024, on charges which include, but not limited to, fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.

The acting Provincial Head of the DPCI, Major General Matroos commended the work of both the investigation and prosecution team in bringing the syndicate to its knees. He said ‘these successful integrated efforts by the security and justice entities is an indication that the long arm of the law finally catches up with those acting outside the law, no matter how long it takes.

Source: South African Police Service