OVERVIEW | Louis, Dezzi and four others remain in custody

The controversial diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg and alleged mastermind behind the diamond fraud scheme Forever Diamonds and Gold, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Bronkhorstspruit along with eight other people, including his wife Dezzi, on Thursday.

Louis and Dezzi were arrested by the Hawks on Tuesday at the Tonino restaurant at the Benoni Country Club.

Walter Niedinger, Liebenberg’s former lawyer, Ronelle Kleynhans, co-director of his company Tariomix, Nicky van Heerden, his personal assistant, Helena Schulenburg, former office manager, as well as two other former directors of his companies, Hannes and Christelle Badenhorst, were arrested on Wednesday morning.

The charges against them include fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.

Here is an overview of the day’s events

Media requests court to take pictures in court

The media’s request to take pictures and video was heard. The magistrate gave permission that they may proceed. However, the legal teams and state prosecutor may not be shown.

Liebenberg appears upbeat in court

Diamond dealer Liebenberg appeared upbeat during his first appearance at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court, enthusiastically shouting, “Viva Msholozi, viva MK!” as he stepped into the dock.

After a postponed start, the accused finally appeared in court just after midday on Thursday.

Liebenberg smiled and waved at the public gallery, which included some of his alleged victims, while casually sipping from a bottle of sparkling water.

When asked by the crowd of journalists how he was feeling, he responded, “Life is good”.

He added, “Thanks to the media for making me famous.”

The bail hearing began later in the afternoon, with the State opposing bail for all but three of the accused: Kleynhans, Schulenburg, and Niedinger.

At the time of publishing, the proceedings were ongoing, News24 reported.

Bail granted to three of the accused

Bail is granted to Kleynhans, Schulenburg and Niedinger. Kleynhans and Schulenburg are each released on bail of R20 000 while Niedinger receives bail of R100 000.

The case is postponed to Thursday 31 October.

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