The “Project Darling” diamond case will be transferred to the Northern Cape High Court in May.
THE “PROJECT Darling” diamond case will be transferred to the Northern Cape High Court in May.
The accused Monojkumar Detroya, Komilan Packirisamy, Ahmed Khorani, Willem Weenink, Joseph Sarel van Graaf, Carl Steve van Graaf, Kevin Urry, Trevor Pikwane, Frank Perridge, Spirro Louverdis and Colin Carey appeared briefly in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of dealing in unpolished diamonds and corruption.
The state alleges that the agent who was tasked with selling the illegal diamonds, was offered gifts, including a Volkswagen Golf GTI valued at R100 000, a BMW worth R235 000 and two diamond rings, by the accused in order to persuade him to facilitate illegal dealings.
The deputy director of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), advocate Johan Roothman said co-accused Brent Lunt was still in Zimbabwe and was not able to appear.
“The case was postponed until March 5 for Lunt to be added to the charge sheet. On April 15 the matter will be transferred for a pre-trial hearing in the Northern Cape High Court on May 7. All the accused have been released on a warning.”
Legal representative for Lundt, Riaan Bode indicated that his client was not permitted to travel out of Zimbabwe, due to restrictions that were placed on his passport, pending another matter where he is expected to make an appearance, in Zimbabwe on April 29.
“Due to Covid-19 regulations, there have been long delays in finalising the matter. No warrant of arrest was issued for him and I request that he should also be warned to appear at the next court date.”
