By STAFF REPORTER
Four senior officials aged 47 and 66 from the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, The Hawks for fraud, contravening the diamonds Act and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) on Wednesday.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Philani Nkwalase said the department received funding surpassing R6.7 million from the European Union during the 2010/2011 financial year.
“The funds were intended for training students in cutting and polishing uncut (unpolished) diamonds. The diamonds were bought in March 2011 from a private entity without the necessary licenses to buy rough diamonds.
“However, consequently, these diamonds were stored at the premises of the same private entity. Forty students were enrolled in the same year, to undergo a mining qualification course in cutting and polishing of diamonds facilitated by Kimberley Diamonds International Jewellery Academy (KIDJA),” said Nkwalase.
However, he said it was established that the diamonds were missing and unaccounted for in July 2012. Nkwalase said this was discovered during the random inspection by the Auditor General (AG).
“We launched an investigation into the matter and this resulted in the arrest of these senior officials. The team executed (J50) warrants of arrest early on Wednesday morning. The suspects are expected to appear at the Kimberly Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
The Guardian 