Expensive diamond seized

Thu, 15 May 2008

Two people were arrested while trying to sell an expensive diamond to a Durban businessman, police said on Wednesday.

Captain Thembeka Luhtuli said police had seized the diamond - valued at an estimated R250 000 - at the scene in Winder Road on Tuesday afternoon.

The businessman told police he had received a phone call from an unknown man wanting to make an appointment with him to discuss "some business".

At Winder Street, two men were waiting for him.

One of the men told the businessman they were selling a diamond and needed a buyer.

The two wanted R50 000 for the diamond.

"The complainant pretended that he was going to get the money from the bank and instead alerted police," she said.

Police arrested both men at the scene and the diamond was seized.

She said the origins of the diamond were not known - however, police were now searching for another supplier whose identity they were aware of.

"We commend the man who reported this crime," she said.

The two are expected to appear in court soon.