Alleged Ponzi scheme kingpin Liebenberg complains to court about his conditions of imprisonment
Louis Liebenberg returned to court on Tuesday together with his eight co-accused, who are all accused of running a botched diamond investment scheme.
FILE: Alleged fraudster Louis Liebenberg appeared in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court on 31 October 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Alleged Ponzi scheme kingpin Louis Liebenberg has made a dramatic address in the Bronkhortspruit Magistrates Court, complaining about the conditions of his imprisonment.
Liebenberg returned to court on Tuesday together with his eight co-accused, who are all accused of running a botched diamond investment scheme.
They face charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
READ: Alleged diamond scheme kingpin Liebenberg plans to call 55 witnesses for his bail application
Leaning on a metal rail with his hand casually on his chin, Louis Liebenberg addressed the court on how he has been treated as a convicted criminal and not an awaiting trial prisoner whose innocence had not been determined.
Among his grievances was the fact that an inmate incarcerated at the C-Max facility at the Kgosi Mamouru Prison, he was not allowed any communication with his wife Desiree, who also stands accused and was behind bars.
Liebenberg told the court that he planned on calling 55 witnesses for his bail application, but he needed data from his devices, which were confiscated by investigators.
As Liebenberg’s lawyer withdrew from the case on Tuesday, he has asked to be allowed to liaise with the investigating officer, getting his data, something the magistrate advised him against, citing his client's attorney-client privilege.
Prosecutors have agreed to facilitate Liebenberg’s request in preparation for his bail hearing next month.