NORTHERN CAPE – A 53-year-old suspect was arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team on Friday, 07 January 2022 on allegations of fraud, corruption, possession of unpolished diamonds and impersonating a police official.

The complainant alleges that during December 2021, six suspects who claimed to be police officials deceived him during an alleged diamond transaction. It is further alleged that these suspects demanded R50 000-00 in order for him not to be arrested. The complainant immediately paid R10 000-00.

A case was then reported to the Hawks offices and a buy and bust operation was conducted. One suspect came to collect the R10 000-00 and he was consequently arrested. The suspect was also found in possession of five unpolished diamonds.

He is expected to appear before Pofadder Magistrate court on Monday, 10 January 2022. More arrests have not been ruled out.

Source: South African Police Service