Mandela man quits over Naomi diamonds
JEREMY Ratcliffe has resigned with immediate effect as a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund - after revealing that he received uncut diamonds from model Naomi Campbell.
"Mr Ratcliffe regrets his omission to inform the chairperson, (chief executive officer) and the rest of the board of trustees of the NMCF of his receipt of the uncut diamonds until now - and acknowledges that had he done so, he and the board would have found a better and lawful way to manage the situation," the fund said in a statement.
Ratcliffe received the three uncut diamonds from Campbell in 1997, who had attended a dinner held by then president Nelson Mandela, where Charles Taylor, then head of Liberia, was also present.
Ratcliffe apologised to the board for the "possible reputational risk" his conduct may have caused. He also realised that he had left himself open to possible prosecution.
The board accepted Ratcliffe's apology and his decision to step aside.
It is illegal in South Africa to possess uncut diamonds without a licence. It is an offence punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment or a R250000 fine or both.
Ratcliffe handed the stones to the police on the same day that Campbell testified in The Hague war crimes tribunal in the trial of Charles Taylor, accused of war crimes and dealing in "blood diamonds".
Ratcliffe said he did not report receiving the stones to anyone, to protect the fund's reputation and those of Nelson Mandela and Campbell.
He said he acted in a way he "sincerely believed" was in its best interests.
Police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the uncut diamonds, Hawks spokesperson Musa Zondi said earlier.
CheeseBoy
He said he acted in a way he "sincerely believed" was in its best interests.-----------------------------
the "it" in the above statement is actually referring to himself. a thieving rat
Clearly JEREMY the RAT "Cliffe" had other ideas up his sleeve. this diamond was going to be his retirement package. shame.
What would have happened had this case not come out?
why wait 13 years and ONLY after Naomi had bust the bubble. A feeble apology is all he can offer since he has been caught with his fat paws in the cookie jar.
he should be declared Mampara of the year.
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DRU
That is the same question I asked myself,why he kept those dirty stones for 13 years,yeah u can say it again, it was his retirement package.Is time to face the music Mr Jeremy & I'm happy the pure old man(Utata) didn't know nothing about shenanigans that where happening under his nose.BOGAGARU,eishhhhhh!Report Abuse
TruthHurts
I wonder what was gonna happen if he (Jeremy) died before this case broke up.....the very same reputaion he was trying to protect would have been damaged beyond repair because no one would have believed Naomi. They would think she is lying. Lesson....not all secrets are worth keeping!Report Abuse
BraIzzy
I DO NOT BELIEVE HIM, HE IS COVERING SUM1 (IF NOT DE ENTIRE TRUST)!Report Abuse
Mwelase
The truth is that this CEO have desimally failed to honour Campbell with some Cash, then Campbell busted and told the truth, thats why campbell in her statements she said" I am not affraid to tell the truth as the blood stones has fallen to CEO and I have not received any spoil" yes it sounds good i told you former President that now your name is dented. Why keep silense for so long? Actually those dirty stones were not only three,but six where is the balance of three?Report Abuse
TravellingMan
We are all driminals in some way until proven innocent. People at the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund nogal!!!Report Abuse
TravellingMan
We are all Criminals in some way until proven innocent. People at the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund nogal!!!Report Abuse
pizozo
What would have happened to the diamond if the case wasnt brought forward? Now he resigns, what about the embarasment he caused on Naomi and whose reputation was he trying to protect now that the truth is out?Report Abuse
