An elusive Rolex watch and a necklace worth half a million rands have been seized from alleged fraudster Jurgen Harksen at the safe house where he is in protective custody.
The necklace was apparently reported stolen some time ago by a woman involved in a business deal with Harksen.
According to the Cape Times, the jewellery was discovered on Friday when, on the instructions of Judge Siraj Desai, Harksen was about to be moved from the witness protection programme back to Goodwood Prison in Cape Town.
The newspaper said one of the six police officers assigned to protect Harksen made the discovery as he was putting the German’s belongings aside to be collected by his wife.
Harksen has since launched a court challenge against his return to jail.
One of the trustees of Harksen’s insolvent estate, Michael Lane, said on Tuesday the trustees had been aware of the existence of the Rolex, which has a light blue face and a blue snakeskin strap, for some time.
However Harksen told them he had sent it to England, to a jeweller.
”He’s been denying that it’s in his possession for a long time now,” Lane said. ”All of a sudden, there it is in his possession. He’s been lying to us, he’s been lying to the cops.”
He said the trustees took possession of the watch on Friday afternoon, and would probably sell it at some point. Harksen paid R135 000 for it.
Lane said the necklace was owned by a woman who had been involved in deals with Harksen in which jewellery — including the necklace — changed hands.
When the relationship between Harksen and his associate Tony Karsten soured, Harksen accused Karsten of stealing the jewellery.
Lane said the necklace had now been handed back to its owner.
However he understood the woman had been warned not to dispose of the necklace, as it would be used as an exhibit for a new fraud charge against Harksen.
The other items of jewellery involved in the deal had not yet been located, he said.
Harksen’s attorney Zirk Mackay said on Tuesday morning that he was unaware of the seizures, and would have to speak to his client before commenting.
Harksen already faces multiple fraud charges in South Africa, and is wanted in Germany on multi-billion rand fraud and tax charges. – Sapa