A South African multi-millionaire has offered a reward of R300 000 for the return of a 104-year-old watch that was stolen from him.
The family heirloom was taken during a robbery at his larney wine estate, La Roche, in Franschoek, on June 29.
David Jenkins says four masked robbers held him and two visitors at knife-point.
The robbers got away with the watch, cash, and valuables including a set of knives and forks, all worth R500 000.
Jenkins says the pre-World War I Cartier watch was bought by his grandfather in 1912, and had sentimental value for him.
The watch has been insured for R300 000.
He had placed ads in various newspapers in the hopes of locating the heirloom.
Cops are apparently searching informal settlements in Hout Bay after receiving tip-offs.
The gang is said to be part of a syndicate hitting wine estates. Cops say 20 such incidents have been reported in the past two years.
La Roche neighbours two other estates owned by billionaire Johann Rupert and one where Olympian swimmer, Ryk Neething, is marketing director. Former Special Forces soldiers protect the estate where Neethling works.
In 1991, Jenkins was involved in a murder and foreign currency investigation after his business partner Simon Law was killed.
Jenkins was fingered after three companies they co-owned were being investigated by the Reserve Bank.
Law’s body was never found.