TMPD K9 unit arrests four in possession of ‘illegal diamonds’
The diamonds have an estimated street value of R3.7-million.
The Tshwane metro police K9 unit members conducted a crime intelligence operation with other law enforcement agencies on Saturday.
During the operation, they followed up on information about diamonds that were going to be delivered at a mall in Mayville.
According to police, they followed the suspects who were swiftly apprehended at a mall where another unit was waiting for them.
In a statement, police said the team rushed to the the mall to await the suspects.
A white Honda vehicle arrived with four suspects.
The four suspects were immediately apprehended and were found in possession of 36 diamonds.
The diamonds have an estimated street value of R3.7-million.
“The four suspects – three men and a woman aged between 49 and 62 (two of them foreign nationals) – have been arrested for dealing in illegal diamonds and money laundering.
“They will appear in court soon.
“Well done to all teams involved in this tremendous achievement.
“The metro police will continue to fight crime in the City of Tshwane,” the press release concluded.
ILLEGAL MINING
According to the SAPS, illegal mining costs the government an estimated R49-billion every year.
“It is our considered view that illegal mining is a criminal activity which must be dealt with within the prescripts of the law,” said Minister Gwede Mantashe.
“Hence, we have been engaging with the Ministry of Police to establish a specialised police unit to deal with this criminal activity,” he said.
Police described illegal mining as an existential threat to the mining industry.
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