ILLICIT DIAMONDS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1928, Page 4

ILLICIT DIAMONDS

TRAFFIC IN SOUTH AFRICA. Sensational disclosures of illicit traffic in diamonds between Naniaqualnnd and the Lichtenburg diamond fields arc made in authoritative circles, and it is declared that the number of diamonds leaving Nam a qu aland by unlawful means is considerable, says the “Cape Times.”- The method adopted in procuring the diamonds is somewhat ingenious though simple in operation. hut extremely difficult to detect. Briefly, those engaged in the traffic establish their headquarters in Lichtenburg: and employ native and other runners. These runners secure the diamonds in Nainaqu,aland and they are conveyed to Lichtenburg by various moans. Sometimes when the value of the stones is considerable they arc carried hv the thief himself. On arrival at Li cli ten burg ail opportunity Is awaited for placing the stones in the wash of the purchaser and the stones are eventually sorted with other diamonds found in the owner’s claims. This method is not always resorted to, as with a stone of considerable' value the risk of its being lost has to he taken into consideration. The chance of loss is negligible. Even if the runner betrays his employer the risk is not great, and unless the transaction

took place under the eyes of detectives there is not much chance of arrest.

Stones of Naniaqualand origin- are of such exceptional value that they are eagerly sought after, and It is not surprising that illicit operations are being carried on on a fairly big scale. Despite the vigilance of the police, illicit diamond buying is still very rife on the Lichtenburg fields, and the few officials of the diamond detective branch established there arc not sufficient to cope with the traffic. The bonus system has gone a step towards eliminating thefts, hut few diggers carry it out. being disposed to pay •only the recognised wage. Some months ago when the YVelvordiend owners employed native sorters they also employed a staff of over-scei-s to watch them, but even despite this precaution thefts were frequent. On one occasion an overseer caught a native in the act of transferring a stone into his mouth. To prevent the native swallowing it he promptly struck him in the month. Aik examination revealed that the native had previously secreted another stone right under the eyes of the overseers. At that time dismissals for theft by natives were almost everyday occurrences.