Cape Town – Alleged diamond scammer Louis Liebenberg’s bail application has been postponed to July 2 by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court.
His defence requested the delay, citing insufficient time to consult with their client, SABC News reported on Wednesday.
Liebenberg and his wife, Desiree ‘Dezzi’ Liebenberg, were arrested by the Hawks in October last years 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 last year, 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.
Liebenberg remains in custody but has requested a transfer from the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility for privacy during legal consultations.
Authorities claim he used social media and radio interviews to lure investors, with funds later used to register companies, buy mines, and support his lifestyle.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@niehaus_carl
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
