Diamond-encrusted pens worth R20m stolen

Seventeen diamond-encrusted pens, worth R20 million, have been stolen from a house in Inanda, Sandton, and police have asked for the public’s help finding them.

But selling them would not be easy, said John Pearson, whose company insured the pens.

“They have unique serial and reference numbers. It is impossible to sell them… even overseas.”

The pens, encrusted with diamonds and gold, were stolen last Tuesday from a snooker room at the house.

They were on open display and not locked away, said Pearson.

“They are collector items and are unique. The thieves selected 168 of them from the collection on display.”

Police spokesman Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini said the thieves apparently gained entry through a sliding door.

Pearson said his company was offering a “substantial” monetary reward for the safe recovery of the pens.

“All information received will be treated as confidential.”

Pearson would not say who the owner of the house was.

- Sapa