Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s office has announced plans to return a precious stone gifted to his wife, Humile Mashatile, by Louis Liebenberg, a businessman accused of running a diamond Ponzi scheme.
The decision was made due to allegations against Liebenberg, who faces 42 charges of fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering.
According to a statement, the gift had been under evaluation for authenticity and value as part of a parliamentary declaration process.
“As previously reported, the Head of the Office of the Deputy President, Mr Mduduzi Mbada engaged professionals to verify the stone’s authenticity and value for purposes of declaring it in Parliament.
CLARIFICATION ON GIFT RECEIVED BY MRS MASHATILE FROM MR LIEBENBERG
Statement:
The Office of the Deputy President, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, has indicated in the past that Mrs Humile Mashatile was given an unsolicited gift of a precious stone by Mr Louis Liebenberg.
As…
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 4, 2024
“While dealing with this matter a number of allegations surfaced against Mr Liebenberg.
“Due to the nature of allegations made against the donor, the Head of Office decided that the gift be returned.
“Arrangements are currently underway to return the gift. The Deputy President and Mrs Mashatile are fully briefed and have agreed to the decision,” read the statement.
Liebenberg, who denies the charges, remains in custody pending further investigation.
His case, which involves accusations of fraud linked to unpolished diamonds, has drawn significant media attention.
The trial is scheduled to resume on February 4, 2025.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
