Controversial diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg abandons bail

JOHANNESBURG - Controversial diamond dealer and staunch Jacob Zuma supporter, Louis Liebenberg, has opted not to apply for bail. 

Liebernberg and eight of his employees and associates appeared in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He faces charges of fraud and racketeering.  

The charges relate to a R4 billion diamond investment scheme where thousands of people were conned out of their money. 

While five of Liebenberg's co-accused made applications for bail, he chose not to, with his bail application set down for next week.