De Beers criticises State Diamond Trader

DAVID Noko, who steps down as MD of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) at the end of March, says the State Diamond Trader (SDT) needs to be fixed.

Asked about widespread diamond industry dissatisfaction with the SDT Noko told Miningmx, "that area is a mess. It needs to be fixed and I believe government is committed to fixing it. This is a temporary setback."

The SDT was set up by government in 2007 with major support from De Beers and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). It aimed to increase the supply of rough diamonds to local polishers and cutters.

Editor's Comment
Mob justice isn't just

A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...

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