Mandela charity official could face prison over diamonds
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
Jeremy Ratcliffe could go to prison for up to ten years if he is found guilty of having illegal diamonds in his possession.
The former head of Nelson Mandela's charity who admitted holding on to suspected blood diamonds given to the model Naomi Campbell by Liberian president Charles Taylor could go to prison.
Speaking to Bloomberg, spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority Mthunzi Mhaga said Jeremy Ratcliffe has been charged with possessing uncut diamonds by a Johannesburg court.
He is being prosecuted under the Contravention of Diamonds Act and the news agency reports Johannesburg-based newspaper the Saturday Star as saying if found guilty, he could spend up to ten years in prison.
The case has no been postponed until October 27th so Mr Ratcliffe has enough time to prepare representations to the prosecuting agency, Mr Mhaga added.
Speaking to Sky News at London Fashion Week recently, Campbell said she was used as a "scapegoat" in the trial, adding she was forced by subpoena to testify and that the legal proceedings were "nothing to do" with her.
