MASVINGO—Three South African nationals who were arrested for allegedly assaulting two Zimbabweans from Nyika Growth Point following a botched diamond deal were last Friday denied bail by Masvingo magistrate Lyn Manyika.
Report by Tatenda Chitagu
The suspects Jonathan Greyling (25), Carle Shoun Steyler (23) and Gordon Ryan Keena (25) were arrested on March 10 after they assaulted Takawira Morris (30) of Bikita and Cleopas Gozho (34) of Mavhenyengwa village under Chief Nhema, demanding a refund after the foreigners were allegedly sold diamonds of low value.
The three South Africans, who are being represented by Masvingo lawyer Collin Maboke of Mwonzora and Associates, are facing charges of contravening Section 3 of the Precious Minerals Act for unlawful dealing in or possession of precious stones. The locals, who are also facing the same charge, are being represented by Johannes Ruvengo from the same law firm.
Appearing for the State, Mirirai Shumba told the court that on March 7 the foreigners went to Birchenough Bridge and bought a piece of diamond from the two locals and drove back to their country.
They allegedly later realised that the diamond which they had bought for an undisclosed amount of money was of low quality.
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They returned to Zimbabwe and hunted down the two locals. They took Gozho and Morris to Pambudzi Lodge in Bikita where they allegedly assaulted them demanding a refund.
The complainants reported the matter to police, leading to the suspects’ arrest.