Upon searching their vehicles, police found unpolished diamonds.

Provincial spokesperson Merapelo Pilane says the suspects will appear in court soon.

“The multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi, comprising proactive and combat teams of SAPS and SANDF in the Namakwa district, received intelligence regarding vehicles transporting alleged illegal miners from Koingnaas to Kleinzee on the R355 Road. Upon searching the two vehicles, 25 suspected unpolished diamonds were found and confiscated. The four suspects were subsequently arrested. They were also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Laws,” says Pilane.

Meanwhile, diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg is expected to apply for bail when the case resumes in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court in tomorrow.

Liebenberg, his wife Desiree and seven others face multiple charges including fraud, racketeering and theft. The case relates to an alleged investment scam in which investors were allegedly swindled out of more than $220-million.

Investors were allegedly duped into investing into Liebenberg’s companies.

On Thursday, the court denied Desiree Liebenberg bail citing among others that she was a flight risk. The state argued she had access to $11 million hidden from authorities. She also failed to disclose a fixed address of where she’ll be residing if released on bail as well as bank statements.

Desiree’s husband was thrown out of court after claims of intimidation by the police. Former President Jacob Zuma’s close associate chanted MK Party slogans before having a go at the magistrate.

The seven other accused are already out on bail.

--SABC--