Police Detective Inspector Frans Job has opposed granting bail to brothers George and Bino Cloete during their bail application hearing in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court.

The officer cited likely interference with witnesses and the ongoing investigation.

Job told the court that police have obtained affidavits from witnesses who claimed the bail applicants could intimidate or convince them to change their testimonies.

He further testified that George Cloete, while in custody, instructed individuals to relocate livestock from Farm Naris to another farm and sell some of it.

That interference, Job said, prompted police to open a case of defeating the ends of justice against the accused.

He added that police arrested one of the individuals, instructed by Cloete to sell animals, in the early hours of this morning following a manhunt that began in June 2025.

Job testified the suspect, a Namdia security guard, has not reported for duty since the diamond robbery at the company on 18 January last year.

He said the applicants pose a flight risk, noting George Cloete's links to a well-known businessman in Port Nolloth, South Africa.

Job highlighted the seriousness of the charges, which carry up to 30 years' imprisonment and a N$100-million fine.

The detective inspector said the investigation established that the applicants do not earn income from forex trading, contrary to their claims.

Job noted the investigation remains ongoing due to outstanding forensic reports and difficulties obtaining financial statements from a foreign jurisdiction.

He also testified that the brothers acted with a common purpose and that bank statement transactions point to money laundering.

Job further stated that the State has a prima facie case and that granting bail is not in the public interest.

The brothers face charges of violating the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and illicit trafficking under the Diamonds Act.