MISSION TO SELL UNCUT DIAMOND LEADS TO ARREST

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By: Neo Ntsele

Tebalo Joseph Motsoakeletsa 39, appeared before the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Tuesday 07, where he was convicted and sentenced for illegal possession of uncut diamond.

On 26 January 2024, Motsoakeletsa visited a store in Heidedal Twin City mall and attempted to sell uncut diamond to the value of R6000.

The storekeeper told the accused to come the following day to collect the money as they still have to verify the diamond with the manager.

The store manager alerted the police after he became suspicious of the accused being in possession of uncut diamond illegally.

On 27 January 2024, the accused went back to the store to collect money.

Upon realising the police close to the store where he was meant to collect the money, the suspect ran away.

The police managed to track him through his identity and proof of residence he had submitted at the store.

He was later arrested the same day, by members of Bloemfontein Public Order Policing (POP).

A case docket was registered and handed over to the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Bloemfontein for further exploration. Motsoakeletsa pleaded guilty and the court sentenced him to three years imprisonment or a fine of R1500.