Alleged diamond scheme kingpin Liebenberg plans to call 55 witnesses for his bail application

JOHANNESBURG - Alleged diamond scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg told the Bronkhortspruit Magistrates Court that he planned on calling 55 witnesses for his bail application.

Liebenberg and his eight co-accused returned to court on Tuesday, where they face charges for allegedly running a botched diamond investment scheme and siphoning billions from victims.

The Zuma associate’s lawyer withdrew from the case on Tuesday, leaving questions as to who will represent him for bail.

READ: Delays in case against alleged diamond scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg as his lawyer withdraws

Addressing the court himself, Liebenberg said he desperately needed data from his devices that were confiscated by the State, in order for him to plan his bail application.

"I have to call financial statements - the accountants, people at the mine, so I find it quite difficult and I find myself between a rock and a hard place because the Constitution says an awaiting trial prisoner is like everybody else but we just have to make sure he comes to court. The problem is that it's not seen that way – we are seen guilty already."

The court made an order that the State organise with Liebenberg and officials at the Kgosi Mampuru C Max facility to have his data delivered to him.