Asians ‘provide’ ready market for smuggled Swaziland diamonds – report

Some Asian nationals based in South Africa are “promoting” diamond smuggling from Swaziland by providing a ready market for the contraband, reports say.
Swaziland Observer reports that the smuggling of the precious stones was taking place at Dvokolwako Diamond Mine.
The mine was shut down several years ago under unclear circumstances but South African businessman Roux Shabangu recently said that it would be re-opened next April.
Residents from the surrounding areas were said to be using rudimentary methods to collect the precious stones, which are then smuggled into South Africa.
“The Asians pay cash. All they want are diamonds, no questions asked. You bring diamonds, they pay,” an unnamed smuggler was quoted as saying.
However, one of the new Dvokolwako diamond mine directors Ngatana Dlamini said he was not aware that the community was looting gems from the mine.
“As far as I know we have tight security at the mine, I am completely unaware of any lootings there,” he said.
Swaziland obtained a certificate from the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, which allowed the country to trade in diamonds last year.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished