A case of illegal diamond trading in South Africa, which had caught the attention of law officials, ultimately led to the arrest of those involved, reports say. A group, an international syndicate involved in this trade was caught by an operation involving Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks), reports add. Following a tip-off, The Hawks set up an operation and traded in diamonds with the group, reports say.

Nineteen suspects were arrested in Gauteng, the Northern Cape, Free State provinces, at the time of the operation and eight more surrendered following the operation.

The parliamentary portfolio committee on mineral resources asked for strict and serious judgement on those found guilty, since such activities have given a boost to rise in gangsters and a loss to life.