Two more weeks behind bars for Liebenbergs
The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court remanded their matter to 15 November due to the unavailability of a courtroom on the initial date of 8 November.
Alleged fraudster Louis Liebenberg tried to argue that his constitutional rights were being infringed, as he had the right to have his bail application heard within seven days.
Acknowledging the accused’s frustration, Magistrate Mahlangu explained that there was little he could do to change the situation. He also told Liebenberg that, while he agrees that a bail application by its nature is an urgent matter, the seven-day rule is applicable when an accused person makes their first court appearance.
Last week, Liebenberg and his wife opted not to apply for bail.
This leaves the couple as the only two of nine accused still behind bars following the arrest of nine suspects on more than 50 counts of fraud and money laundering relating to an alleged R4 billion diamond scam.
Earlier on Thursday, Liebenberg blew kisses to his wife from across the courtroom.
The pair sat next to each other in the dock while the date for their bail hearing was deliberated and later set for 15 November 2024.
The state is alleging Liebenberg used the proceeds of the alleged diamond investment scam to fund his luxurious lifestyle, his wedding, and his honeymoon in Greece.
The State has previously said it would oppose the couple’s release on bail.
MK SUPPORTERS BACK LIEBENBERG
A group of about 20 people in uMkhonto weSizwe party regalia sat in the gallery in support of Liebenberg.
Liebenberg has a history with the former president and now leader of the MK Party, Jacob Zuma.
At his previous appearance, the diamond dealer chanted "Viva MK, viva Msholozi", which he repeated on Thursday.
"We are not magistrates, we are not lawyers, we are just ordinary members of this movement, and we see him as one of our own,” said Letuba Khanye, the MK Party organiser in the region.
"We are here to come and listen to what the court says and to give him that moral support.”
Khanye promised to mobilise more MK Party supporters when Liebenberg returns to court but added that they would await further instructions from their national structures.
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