The public prosecutor blames lax security, but a government spokesman suspects it was pre-planned.

The 32 precious items are on loan for at least three years after being taken from the Asante people.

In recent years Ethiopia has seen an increase in the killing of political and cultural figures.

Young people were recruited as call-centre agents in a "sophisticated internet fraud syndicate".

Police believe the suspects are part of a gang "syndicate" responsible for car-jackings in Johannesburg.