Louis and Dezzi Liebenberg during the wife's bail hearing. Picture: Supplied
The wife of diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg has been denied bail in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 21 November.
Dezzi Liebenberg had been awaiting the outcome of her bail hearing since 15 November following the couple’s arrest in October this year.
According to the magistrate, she failed to meet the burden of proof required to show that her release on bail would serve the interests of justice.
This implies that the evidence or reasoning she provided was inadequate or unconvincing under the applicable legal standard.
She will be remanded in custody until at least 4 February and will now await the outcome of her husband’s bail application which will be heard on 25 November.
The state had opposed bail, previously arguing that Dezzi should be considered a flight risk because she is afraid, having lost her private protection service.
It was further argued that the 50-year-old woman is on the verge of being evicted from her accommodation, having received her deposit and notice to vacate.
It was alleged that Dezzi could have access to hidden valuables, potentially having knowledge of her husband’s hidden wealth.
Accompanying his wife during her bail application, Louis was thrown out of court on Thursday, then later sang loudly from the cells as the magistrate spoke.
Dezzi’s husband delayed his own bail application in anticipation of his application taking an extended period.
By doing so, he felt it would clear the way for his wife to be released earlier.
The Liebenbergs are among nine accused of 42 charges of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering.
Dezzi said she intended to pled not guilty, saying her relationship with those connected with the case remains positive.
She stated that she had no access to evidence that could be tampered with and has provided only truthful information and cooperated with authorities throughout.
The Liebenberg’s relationship is said to have become serious in 2021 while she was loosely connected professionally.
She was appointed director of Tariomix on 30 June 2024 despite having no prior experience in the mining or diamond trade.
Louis is currently being held in Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre and will return to Bronkhorstspruit next week for his bail application.
NOW READ: Diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg: ‘I’m no beggar – my support runs deep’
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