Motapa Diamonds Inc.: First Diamonds Recovered From Mothae Diamond Project

Motapa Diamonds Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MTP) and partner Lucara Diamond Corp.
(CNQ:LUCA) are pleased to provide the following update on progress at the Mothae
kimberlite project in Lesotho.


Processing of three bulk samples from the Mothae kimberlite has yielded 267
diamonds with a total weight of 132.31 carats. Nine diamonds exceed two carats
with the largest stone being 8.65 carats.


These are the first results from the Mothae sampling program which commenced in
early March. The samples processed to date represent approximately one third of
an initial 30,000 tonne bulk sampling program aimed at determining the potential
for the Mothae kimberlite to host large high value diamonds similar to those
recovered at the nearby Letseng diamond mine. If results of this initial test
are sufficiently positive, sampling of up to 70,000 tonnes of additional
material will be conducted to evaluate diamond grade within the Mothae pipe and
to collect a sufficient number of diamonds for valuation purposes.


The initial sampling program is designed to test material from 6 kimberlite
domains within the Mothae pipe. The domains all comprise volcaniclastic
kimberlite and are defined on the basis of geophysical properties and variations
in the abundance of different kimberlite indicator minerals. Between 2,000 and
5,000 tonnes of each kimberlite domain is being processed as individual samples
and, based on the results of this work, the balance of the initial 30,000 tonne
sample will be taken from the kimberlite domain or domains with the best
apparent diamond potential. A map showing each sample site can be viewed on
Motapa's website at www.motapadiamonds.com.


Motapa's CEO, Dr. Larry Ott, noted: "We are encouraged with the number of
relatively large stones recovered to date and indications of a potentially
coarse diamond size distribution at Mothae. We are looking forward to further
results and a detailed evaluation of the diamonds after completion of this
initial 30,000 tonne sample."


Lukas Lundin, President of Lucara, commented, "The recovery of large diamonds at
this early stage is an encouraging start for the Mothae project. Our proximity
to Letseng, one of the world's most important producers of large diamond
gemstones, provides further hope that Mothae could be the next success story in
Lesotho."


The sample material is being processed through a dense media separation (DMS)
plant which operates at a nominal 30 tonnes per hour. The process plant is
designed to recover diamonds in various size fractions ranging from 2 mm to 18
mm. Heavy mineral concentrate produced by the DMS plant is passed through a
continuous grease belt for diamond recovery, with the exception of the very
coarse fraction (+14 mm) which is hand sorted. These results are preliminary;
final results will be reported following completion of this initial sampling
program which is expected to be completed by the end of June.


Approximately 9,000 tonnes of kimberlite material from three samples, C1, C2,
and F1 have been processed. Sample C1 produced 60 diamonds for a total of 18.14
carats, sample C2 produced 75 diamonds for a total of 45.4 carats, and sample F1
produced 132 diamonds for a total of 68.77 carats. As a result of a malfunction
in the plant weightometer, final tonnage estimates for each sample are pending
stockpile and pit survey results.


Sample C1 produced one diamond greater than 2 carats, weighing 2.38 carats.
Sample C2 produced 4 stones greater than 2 carats weighing 2.1 cts, 3.38 cts,
3.76 cts, and 6.8 cts. Sample F1 also produced 4 stones greater than 2 carats,
weighing 2.43 cts, 3.46 cts, 5.41 cts, and 8.65 cts.


Pursuant to an option agreement with Motapa, Lucara will fund up to US$10
million to earn up to 70% of Motapa's interest in the Mothae project.


The sampling program is being carried out under the supervision of Dr. Tom
Nowicki of Mineral Services Canada, a Qualified Person in terms of NI43-101.


On behalf of the Board

MOTAPA DIAMONDS INC.

Dr. Larry Ott, Chief Executive Officer

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking
statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve
inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are
beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to
differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.