The Hawks on Wednesday arrested a ninth suspect in connection with a diamond investment scam.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana says the arrest followed as a result of a prosecution-guided multi-disciplinary operation with the Hawks in the Northern Cape.
She says the mastermind allegedly advertised unpolished diamonds on social media and invited potential investors to invest in his diamond dealing business, with a promise of a lucrative return which never materialised.
According to the Hawks a husband and wife are among the suspects in custody and are believed to be the masterminds.
Netwerk24 identified the alleged masterminds as Louis Liebenberg and his wife Dezzi.
Investors have been scammed since 2019 losing a total of R4 billion.
The eight suspects are expected to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court on Thursday to face charges of fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.
More charges could be added at a later stage and more arrests are imminent.
