Bail application of one accused in diamond scam case postponed


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The bail application of diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg’s wife, Desiree, has been postponed to Thursday next week. The couple appeared in the Bronkhortspruit Magistrate’s Court in Pretoria along with the seven other co-accused.

The case relates to a scam in which investors were swindled out of more than R4 billion.

They were allegedly duped into investing into Liebenberg’s company Tariomix, which traded as Forever Diamonds and Gold, and another company called Forever Zircon.

Louis and Desree Liebenberg appeared together in the dock. However, Liebenberg did not apply for bail. Desiree told the court that if released on bail she will not flee the country and committed to cooperating fully with investigators.

The Liebenberg’s seven co-accused who were also in court are out on bail.

The accused face charges including 42 counts of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering.

The state is opposing Desree’s release on bail, arguing that she will threaten witnesses and that she is a flight risk.