Media Statement
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks)

NORTHERN CAPE - A 53-year-old convict, Mr Poalu Sercio Martins Bernardo, was sentenced earlier today by Springbok Regional Court on three counts of illegal dealing in unpolished diamonds.

Bernardo was arrested in March 2002 during a termination of project driven investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.

Three transactions were conducted with the accused whereby he purchased five unpolished State diamonds with a weight of 10.00 carats.

The accused was sentenced on all three counts and was instructed to pay a combined fine of R150 000-00 or six years’ imprisonment, half of each was suspended for a period of five years’ on condition that he is not found guilty on the same charge.  Furthermore, an order in terms of Section 300 of the Criminal Procedure Act was also granted for the amount of R125 834.00 in favour of the state. The amount of R 144 000.00 (cash paid during the transaction) was also forfeited to state.

Ends

Enquiries:
Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi
082 684 2910

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