Louis Liebenberg arrest the result of five-year probe into major diamond fraud

Former president Jacob Zuma (left) and diamond dealer benefactor Louis Liebenberg (second right) with supporters at The Afrikaner Leaders Forum held at The Maslow Times Square in Pretoria on 16 March 2024. (Photo: Emacous Simphiwe Moyo)

By Vincent Cruywagen

23 Oct 2024

The arrest of alleged diamond scam mastermind Louis Liebenberg in connection with the alleged duping of investors out of R4-billion is the culmination of a five-year investigation by the Hawks.

Diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg and his wife were arrested at a Gauteng restaurant on Tuesday night, 22 October 2024, Hawks national spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo confirmed on Wednesday.

A further six suspects were arrested in Gauteng and North West on Tuesday, and a ninth suspect was arrested on Wednesday morning.

Mbambo said a prosecution guided multi-disciplinary operation led by the Northern Cape Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit resulted in the arrest of nine suspects.

The nine people arrested are believed to be part of a diamond syndicate. Liebenberg company Tariomix, known as Forever Diamonds and Gold, has been under investigation by the Hawks since 2019.

The suspects are expected to appear in Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court outside Pretoria on Thursday, 24 October 2024, on charges that include fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.

“The syndicate is alleged to be involved in dealing with unpolished diamonds and fraud. The mastermind/leader allegedly advertised unpolished diamonds on social media and invited potential investors to invest in his alleged diamond dealing business, with the promise of a lucrative return, which never materialised.

“The suspects include a couple wherein the husband is alleged to be the mastermind behind the scam, along with his wife,” Mbambo said.

Clashed with authorities

It is not the first time that Liebenberg has clashed with authorities. In July 2021 the Liebenberg and his company Tariomix had their bank accounts containing approximately R100-million provisionally frozen by an order of the North Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, following allegations of money laundering and of running a Ponzi scheme.

However, in July 2023 Liebenberg and his company were acquitted of allegations that they were operating a Ponzi scheme. At the time, Gauteng Division of the High Court Judge Selemeng Mokose stated the State had failed to present facts to the court following its allegations that the businessman traded illegally in uncut diamonds.

Prior to the national election, alleged syndicate leader Liebenberg attended an upmarket conference centre, a gathering place for the city’s who’s who, and listened to former president Jacob Zuma address the crowd, promising that white people would be safe if the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party won power.

Read more: “Diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg helps boost MK’s Gauteng fortunes”

Liebenberg is a well-known Zuma benefactor. He gave cows to the former president in April 202 and co-funded his court case against prosecutor Billy Downer and journalist Karyn Maughan.

In August last year Maughan and prosecutor Billy Downer won an enforcement order in the Pietermaritzburg Division of the High Court against Zuma’s attempt to privately prosecute them.

Liebenberg is also being investigated by the SA Human Rights Commission over a recording of him allegedly making racist remarks, including using the “k-word”.

Major-General Matroos, the acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, praised the investigation and prosecution teams’ efforts to close in on the syndicate.

He stated: “These successful integrated efforts by the security and justice entities is an indication that the long arm of the law finally catches up with those acting outside the law, no matter how long it takes.”

DA National Spokesperson Willie Aucamp stated that the arrests were an important step toward justice for victims.

“This moment, in significant measure, is a tribute to the relentless determination of former Northern Cape Member of Parliament Veronica van Dyk, who played a pivotal role in exposing his nefarious activities.

“Despite facing enormous pressure and intimidation from Liebenberg, including a R5-million lawsuit for so-called defamation and despicable verbal abuse directed at her, Veronica remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice,” he said.

He pointed to the close ties Liebenberg had to Zuma, which included assisting him in funding his legal fees.

Read more: “Jacob Zuma and Louis Liebenberg in Zulu-Boer wonderland”

“These funds reportedly helped pay for Zuma’s failed private prosecutions against journalist Karyn Maughan and senior state advocate Billy Downer, as well as his legal challenge against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Additionally, Liebenberg’s bid to run as an independent candidate in this year’s national elections ended in failure, with him losing his election deposit,” he said.

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Clashed with authorities