Louis and Dezzi Liebenberg appear at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court on 31 October. Picture: Gallo Images
Diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg, his wife Dezzi, and seven others stand trial on 42 charges of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering. Liebenberg and Dezzi have not been granted bail. They are applying for bail in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The state opposes their application.
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.
10:42 The court hears that Dezzi pleads not guilty. Her relationship with Liebenberg became serious in 2021, during which time she had a limited role in Tariomix, a company with several directors. She was appointed as director on 30 June 2024. She has no prior experience in mining or the diamond trade. She poses no flight risk and has committed to full cooperation without interfering in any proceedings.
Her lawyer continues to say that her relationship with the people involved remains good, holding no grudges and she has no history of violence. She has no access to evidence that could be tampered with and has provided only truthful information, maintaining full cooperation throughout. Granting her bail will not disturb public order, he says.
Dezzi’s legal representative reads an affidavit to the court as part of her bail application.
She indicated that she can afford bail of R20 000 which she will borrow from a friend.
An address has been confirmed of someone where Dezzi can stay if she is released on bail. She can stay as long as she needs to, but the individual wants to remain anonymous.
According to her legal representative, information is available everywhere, hence the request to remain anonymous. However, the magistrate does not accept this. He says he needs proof of the name and the address. Her lawyer argues that it’s in the best interest of his client and the property if the individual remains anonymous.
11:04 Liebenberg’s lawyer tells the court that he won’t go ahead with his bail application until Dezzi’s application has been concluded. This, he says, is because he anticipates his application will be lengthy, and he does not want to delay his wife’s possible release.
11:30 The State is opposed to Dezzi’s bail application as she is accused of serious schedule 5 offences.
While is statement is being read, Liebenberg shakes his head repeatedly.
11:33 While the public prosecutor reads the statement, Liebenberg jumps up from his seat saying a journalist is provoking him. He names Rapport journalist Johan Eybers. He claims that Eybers was attempting to elicit a reaction by smiling and making faces at him.
Liebenberg’s lawyer added that Eybers was being disruptive, making it difficult for them to concentrate on the proceedings. In response, Eybers denied the accusation, saying, “I’m just doing my job”. He explained to Magistrate Vusimuzi Mahlangu that he was simply taking photos with his phone.
Liebenberg then accused Eybers of being biased and pushing a particular narrative in the media. Mahlangu warned that anyone causing disruptions in the court will be removed or detained. He also advised Liebenberg’s lawyer that any concerns should be brought to him directly.
11:35 Liebenberg raises his hand again, wanting to speak to his lawyer, but he tells him to wait. The public prosecutor references videos and voice notes in which Liebenberg allegedly says, “I’m going to start shooting, I’m going to start f****n shooting!”. Liebenberg then consults with his lawyer.
11:40 The State further argues that Dezzi has been evicted from her rental house, has received her deposit and must be out by 30 November.
They say she is a flight risk because she is scared. She and Liebenberg had bodyguards, but not anymore. It is therefore not safe for her to get out on bail.
Dezzi may have access to hidden goods (diamonds). They claim they have video proof. Furthermore, they claim to know that Liebenberg has hidden R2 million and that Dezzi knows about it and she knows where it is.
12:54 The court postpones Dezzi’s bail application until November 21 when judgment will be delivered.
Liebenberg’s application will be heard on 25 November.
The court adjourns.
ALSO READ: Louis Liebenberg: ‘I’m no beggar – my support runs deep’
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