Suspects escape with gems, cash after raid on city dealer

A SUSPECT from Gauteng has been arrested on charges of business robbery by police in Kimberley after he allegedly robbed a 60-year-old licenced diamond dealer of a “substantial amount of diamonds and cash”.

Police spokesperson,Captain Sergio Kock, said the incident happened at about 7pm on Tuesday evening at the diamond dealer’s business premises in the city’s CBD.

“Three men approached a licenced diamond dealer about buying diamonds. The suspects posed as prospective diamond buyers before pouncing on the man in his office in Kimberley.

“The suspects assaulted the victim, pointed a firearm at him and attempted to tie him up with cable ties. The victim fought back and a scuffle ensued.”

According to Kock the 32-year-old suspect who was arrest was in possession of a firearm.

“The victim screamed and some of his workers came to his rescue,” said Kock, adding that the two other suspects were still on the run.

“Two of the suspects fled with several diamonds and cash that they took from the businessman.The 32-year-old suspect was pinned down by the victim and was later arrested by the police.

“Police also confiscated the firearm and requested that anyone with information regarding the incident and the suspects contact Detective Constable Tshiamo Mokwena on 081 530 5333.

“The investigation continues,” said Kock.

ABOVE: RIGHT: SAPS The firearm that was confiscated by the police following an armed robbery at a city diamond dealer this week.One of three suspects were arrested following the incident.