A syndicate dealing illegally in semi-precious stones and diamonds has been uncovered by the public in South Africa’s big centres, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.
The syndicate operates in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and other major centres, Superintendent Chris Wilken said.
”From time to time, these syndicates also target farmers and businesses in farming communities,” he said.
Wilken said the syndicate usually approached their Johannesburg victims at Bruma Lake, Eastgate, Edenvale, Braamfontein, Rosebank and Sandton City.
”At present, the Johannesburg police is handling several cases and are inundated by calls daily from members of the public who have been approached by syndicates in this scam.
”Members of the public from all walks of life have been conned out of their money by these extremely persuasive con artists,” Wilken said.
He said the Johannesburg police have embarked on an awareness campaign in order to curb the current ”influx of cases involving semi-precious stones”.
”The commodity involved is usually ruby, emerald or tanzanite, but there have been some instances where diamonds have been mentioned. Dealing in rubies, emeralds and tanzanite is legal in South Africa, but the objects the con artist want to supply to victim are worthless from the onset.
”The whole idea of ‘easy money’ and ‘get rich quick schemes’ seems to be the drawing card for most unsuspecting victims,” he said.
The syndicate was run mainly by South Africans who identified themselves as Zambians, Zimbabweans or Tanzanians.
The scam usually involved the victim being called to attend a meeting where the victim would be told about the scam, Wilken said. – Sapa