Cape Town — Diamond dealer, Louis Liebenberg, along with his wife Desiree ‘Dezzi’ Liebenberg, were denied bail when they appeared in court today on charges of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering.
Louis and Dezzi were arrested by the Hawks in October on multiple charges of fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering in a broader investigation into a diamond investment scam of more than R4 billion.
The duo, along with seven others, face 42 charges of the above-mentioned issues. The couple were not granted bail when they appeared in the Bronkortspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday as the state opposed their applications, The Citizen reported.
The other accused in the case are Liebenberg’s former lawyer, Walter Niedinger, co-director of his company Tariomix, Ronelle Kleynhans, his personal assistant, Nicky van Heerden, a former employee, Dewald Strydom, former office manager, Helena Schulenburg, as well as two other former directors of his companies, Hannes and Christelle Badenhorst.
Dezzi’s legal representative read out an affidavit as part of her bail application. She intends to plead not guilty and an address has been provided for where she may stay should she be released on bail, but the person has requested to remain anonymous.
However, the magistrate said he needed proof of the name and address, but the lawyer argued it would be in the best interests of everyone if she stayed anonymous
Diamond dealers Louis Liebenberg and his wife Desiree apply for bail. https://t.co/TeMqPYdCbT
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 15, 2024
According to Jacaranda, Louis and Dezzi remain the only suspects in custody after the other seven accused were granted bail. The other seven were granted bail between R5 000 and R100 000.
In addition to the other causes listed, the court heard that Dezzi was considered a flight risk and used alleged hidden assets to undermine the judicial process.
The state also argued that Dezzi may know where the money and other assets were hidden, which she could use to evade the trial.
The prosecution contended that seeing as the funds would not come from her own pocket, Liebenberg would have no qualms about forfeiting the bail money. Liebenberg reportedly reached out to his backers and business associates for financial support ahead of his bail on Friday.
He had reportedly asked for a R5 000 “sponsorship” from his backers to fund legal costs and his bail. He also revealed that he would pause his bail bid on Friday as he did not want to delay his wife’s chances of being released. He anticipated that his bail application would be a lengthy one, as he is the alleged mastermind behind the scam.
The businessman reportedly asked for a R5,000 “sponsorship” from each of his backers to fund legal costs and bail.
Liebenberg opted to pause his bail bid on Friday, adding that he didn’t want to delay his wife’s chance of being released. The businessman said he expected his opposed bail application, as the alleged mastermind of the elaborate scam, would be lengthy.
The main matter for all nine accused returns to court in February next year.
Louis Liebenberg’s lawyer tells the court that he won’t go ahead with his bail application until his wife’s application has been concluded. This,he says,is because he anticipates his application will be lengthy &he wishes not to delay his wife’s possible release #LouisLiebenberg
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 15, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
