The suspected mastermind behind the R4 billion diamond scam Louis Liebenberg and his wife, Desiree, have abandoned their bail application when they made their first appearance at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court.
The two, together with Magdelena Kleynhans, Johannes Badenhorst, Helena Schulenburg, Adriaan Strydom, Christelle Badenhorst, Nicolize van Heerden and Walter Niendinger appeared in court on Thursday.
Three of the accused were released on bail ranging from R20 000 to R100 00 with condition that they surrender their passports to the investigating officer.
They’re facing 42 counts of fraud, racketeering, money laundering and various statutory offences, contraventions of the Companies Act, and the state has since revealed that more counts will be formulated and added at a later stage.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Liebenberg registered 15 companies whereby his ex-girlfriend Kleynhans and the rest of the accused who are either family members or have close relations, were directors.
“In 2020 Louis and Magdelena registered a company called Tariomix where they were both directors.
Another company styled Forever Zircon was registered in 2021.
Both these companies were purportedly involved in buying and selling diamonds.
Potential investors were lured through social media and radio interviews to invest in the buying and selling of diamonds and were also promised high returns over a short period of time using a cashless platform called AE Switch.
Thousands of investors made payments into the platform amounting to approximately R4.5 billion,” said NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.
The accused allegedly went on a spending spree, where they purchased movable and immovable assets, including 2 mines, various motor vehicles, to wit a Ford Bakkie, BMW 230i sport, Toyota Agya, Kruger rands and silver coins and pay for Liebenberg’s lavish wedding and honeymoon in Greece.
The NPA said various immovable properties, including an office block, were also purchased.
“When some investors did not receive the promised payments, they became suspicious and reported the matter to the SAPS suspecting that they were defrauded
The investigation is being conducted by various law enforcement agencies.
The multi-agency approach to the prosecutor-guided investigations yielded the important breakthrough in this syndicated commercial crime,” explained Mahanjana.
Liebenberg was jolly and smiling to journalists in court, oblivious to the many charges he and his accomplices are facing.
He also shouted “Viva Msholozi, viva MK (uMkhonto weSizwe Party) in court.
“Life is good.
Thanks to the media for making me famous,” quipped Liebenberg to the media.
The case was postponed to 31 October for a formal bail application in respect of the other accused.
