More Trouble for Louis Liebenberg as Bail Application Hits Another Snag

The diamond dealer’s legal woes deepen as unpaid fees leave him without a lawyer again

Louis Liebenberg’s road to bail is proving anything but smooth. The controversial diamond dealer, who is facing a mountain of fraud-related charges, ran into another legal roadblock this week when his lawyer stepped away from the case because he hasn’t been paid.

Liebenberg and his co-accused appeared at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where Advocate Jaco du Plessis officially withdrew. While Du Plessis said he might return if the financial issues are cleared up, his withdrawal adds yet another layer of uncertainty to what’s already one of South Africa’s most high-profile fraud cases.

Held in C-Max, Fighting From the Inside

Currently held at C-Max Prison in Pretoria, a maximum-security facility known for its strict access protocols, Liebenberg says preparing for his case has been a major struggle. In court, he shared that he’s finding it nearly impossible to consult with his lawyer or speak to his wife, Dezzi Liebenberg, who’s also behind bars awaiting trial.

Despite the challenges, the 59-year-old has been granted access to legal documents via his cellphone and insists he’s doing his best to prepare for his bail hearing, now scheduled to run over three days starting 7 August. He also plans to call 55 witnesses in an effort to show that the State’s case lacks strength.

A Diamond Empire Under Scrutiny

Liebenberg and his wife, Dezzi, were arrested in October 2024 at a Gauteng restaurant, following a five-year investigation into their diamond business. The couple, along with eight others, faces 42 charges, including fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering.

Prosecutors allege the group operated a social media-driven investment scam involving unpolished diamonds, luring in hopeful investors and ultimately siphoning off more than R4 billion since 2019.

In Dezzi’s separate bail hearing earlier this year, the State alleged the pair tried to conceal over R200 million shortly after a video surfaced showing Liebenberg bragging about his wealth. Her bail was denied by both the magistrate’s court and the high court on appeal.

Public Reaction and What’s Next

The drawn-out nature of the case has sparked intense interest on social media, with many South Africans voicing frustration about the delays. Some pointed out the irony that a man accused of stealing billions can’t pay his legal fees; others questioned the pace of justice in high-profile financial crimes.

Liebenberg now faces the possibility of representing himself unless his legal issues are resolved. Whether his August bail hearing will finally proceed as planned or see another twist is still uncertain.

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: News24