Ventersdorp diamond dealer accused of fraud

A licensed diamond dealer is being charged with fraud and theft after a diamond transaction with a diamond mine owner in Ventersdorp.

The Potchefstroom Regional Court recently transferred the fraud and theft case against Ventersdorper, Fritz Stefanus Visser (51) to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, in Klerksdorp for trial on 23 October 2023.

Visser is out on R10 000 bail.

According to NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, his court appearance emanates from an incident that allegedly occurred on 23 May 2016, wherein the complaint who operates a diamond mine with his brother in Ventersdorp, discovered a diamond of over a hundred carats.

“In their attempt to find suitable buyers, they got an offer of R42 million, however, Visser who is a licensed diamond dealer and a person they have had previous transactions with, told them he had an offer of R50 million from another prospective buyer,” explained Mamothame.

Following a series of engagements between the complaints and Visser, the diamond was then allegedly delivered to his office in Johannesburg, on 12 July 2016. Visser sold the diamond for R38 million on the same day and received payment. Between this period and December 2017, when they finally decided to open a case against him, he had only paid them R18 million.

“The state will argue that his action was premeditated, as he intercepted a move by the complainant to sell the diamond to a buyer of their choice by deceiving them with a lie about a buyer who wanted to offer more money. The complaints realised they were defrauded when they wanted to return the R18 million to Visser, for the return for their diamond and it emerged that the diamond was long sold,” stated Mamothame.

Investigations into the matter have been completed and the state is ready to proceed with trial on Monday, 23 October.