Motapa Reports Bulk Sample Progress and Initial Diamond Valuation, Mothae Project Lesotho

Motapa Diamonds Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MTP) and partner Lucara Diamond Corp. (TSX
VENTURE:LUC) are pleased to update diamond recovery results for Phase 2 of the
Mothae bulk sample project in Lesotho. Initial diamond recovery from sample C3A
was completed in December. Processing of 7,781 dry tonnes yielded 642 diamonds
for a total of 277.13 carats and a preliminary sample grade of 3.56 carats per
hundred tonnes (cpht). Grease belt tailings have been retained and will be
audited by means of a separate x-ray recovery circuit. Final sample grade for
C3A will include results of this audit.


Sample C3A produced fifteen stones greater than 2 carats and four stones greater
than 5 carats. The average stone size for the sample is 0.43 carats per stone
and the largest three diamonds recovered are 22.71, 20.04, and 10.03 carats.


Results for sample C2C that were previously reported have been revised based on
updated and verified tonnage information. A revised dry tonnage of 8,192 for C2C
yielded 355.74 carats, resulting in a grade of 4.34 cpht, a 16% increase
relative to the previously reported value of 3.74 cpht.


This completes sampling for the C kimberlite domain of the Mothae pipe, which
makes up the largest part of the surface area of the pipe. Phase 1 and Phase 2
bulk sample results for the C kimberlite domain are summarized in the following
table. Note that final diamond grade results for samples C2C and C3A are subject
to results of a forthcoming audit of grease belt tailings, and are expected to
increase.




Sample   Dry Tonnes   # of Stones   Total Carats   Carats/Stone   Dry Grade
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
C1A           1,837            90          27.86           0.41        1.52
C2A           4,164           310         117.11           0.38        2.81
C2B           1,617           211          75.47           0.36        4.67
C2C           8,192           568         355.74           0.63        4.34
C3A           7,781           642         277.13           0.43        3.56
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals       23,591         1,821         753.31           0.41        3.19



Dr. Larry Ott, CEO of Motapa noted: "Sample grade and stone size distribution
for Mothae continue to exceed the expectations that we had at the initiation of
this bulk sampling program. With the C kimberlite domain delivering a sample
grade well above historic results, we are increasingly positive about the
economic viability of the Mothae kimberlite."


Preliminary Diamond Valuation:

A valuation was carried out in December by Shlomo Tidhar of Galaxy Diamond
Expertise SA ('Galaxy') on a parcel of 1088 carats as a followup to Galaxy's
July 2008 assessment of the first 585 carats recovered in the bulk sampling
program. The combined 1,673 carat parcel yielded an average price of $441 per
carat.


Mr. Tidhar noted that due to current market conditions, "It is extremely
difficult to truly judge what current market prices are as there are very few
transactions upon which to base a determination." Consequently, the same price
book used for the previous valuation exercise was used. This price book is
believed by the author to represent "a reasonable expectation of where prices
are likely to be in approximately one to two years time."


The Galaxy report notes that, "The value results of both samples are highly
influenced by the presence of large high value stones. The presence of stones of
this type is highly unusual in most diamond profiles given the small size of the
sample and suggests the potential for exceptionally high value stones similar to
those from the Letseng mine. A modeling exercise has been undertaken to attempt
to estimate the likely value and size distribution expected from full scale
commercial production." The size and value distribution modelling exercise
yielded an estimated run of mine diamond value of approximately $822 per carat.
The Galaxy report states that, "This model comes with a high degree of
uncertainty as generally a sample of 10,000 carats would be preferred to obtain
a better level of statistical accuracy however the model is considered
conservative given the potential for large stones." Post the valuation, Mr.
Tidhar stated, "Both samples show an exceptional proportion of very marketable
qualities, colors and models."


Sample processing has resumed and preliminary results for Sample E1A are
expected within the next three weeks.


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.