The Hawks arrested an alleged diamond dealer in Strand during a sting operation after he allegedly swallowed the diamonds as officers approached him.
The Namibian man, “Hamukwaya Eliakim (58) appeared at the Strand Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing a charge of illegal diamond dealing.”
According to Hawks Captain Philani Nkwalase, the operation was carried out after a tip-off.
“Upon his arrest he then swallowed the diamonds and he was then admitted to hospital. He was scanned and objects were then identified in his torso.
“He was kept under guard and accompanied when he went to the toilet. The diamonds were successfully excreted from the body.”
According to Nkwalase, three carats of diamonds were recovered and Eliakim is expected to apply for bail on Thursday, April 18.
More: news24