Model loses her jewels in Jhb

2006-08-09 22:35

Schalk Mouton and Sapa

Johannesburg - A Sandton nightclub's doors were closed for a couple of hours and a search launched after international lingerie model Caprice lost her belt buckle of diamonds and tanzanite.

The buckle, valued at about R10m, was found after a two-hour long search in the club's bathroom, where she apparently lost it.

Her spokesperson, Andrew Farr, said Caprice attended a party at the Taboo nightclub to be part of the grand finale of a fashion parade. Along with the Tanzanite Foundation, she was presenting a fashion parade to market her lingerie series, By Caprice.

Farr said the foundation had lent her the buckle for the evening.

"The last person to wear it was rapper 50 Cent."

It was initially thought the buckle had fallen off while the 32-year-old model danced in the nightclub until the early hours.

Farr said: "When she realised the buckle was gone, security guards were called in. No one was allowed to leave and everyone was searched." There were about 2 000 guests.

After searching all over, one of her own guards found the buckle in the ladies bathroom.

Farr said Caprice had offered a R250 000 reward to anyone who found the buckle, but because it was one of her own staff members who found it, the reward would not be paid.

Farr said: "Caprice is ecstatic that the buckle was found, because she was extremely worried."

The American-born model left for London on Wednesday afternoon.

- Beeld