State Opposes Bail For Louis Liebenberg’s Wife

The Bronkhorstpruit Magistrate’s Court has postponed the bail proceedings for Louis Liebenberg’s wife Desiree Liebenberg to 21 November. The businessman and his wife, Desiree, remain the only two suspects still in custody after the court granted bail to his seven co-accused.

Opposition to Bail

On Friday, the investigating officer presented a statement in court supporting the state’s opposition to the couple’s bail application. The court was informed that Desiree Liebenberg could be a flight risk and might use alleged hidden assets to undermine the judicial process.

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The state referenced videos in which Louis Liebenberg claims to have hidden R200 million from liquidators and “corrupt government officials”, asserting that he could only trust his wife with this information.

The state argued that Desiree Liebenberg, aged 50, might be aware of where the money and other assets were hidden by her husband and could use this information to evade trial.

Financial Support For Louis Liebenberg’s Wife

It was also revealed in court that a non-profit organisation, ‘Louis Cares Foundation’, was registered recently to raise legal fees and bail money for the accused. The prosecution contended that, given the funds would not come from her own pocket, Desiree Liebenberg might have no qualms about forfeiting the bail money.

Louis Liebenberg reportedly sought financial support from his backers and business associates ahead of his bail hearing on Friday. A report in The Citizen suggested that he was confident his network of supporters would assist him with the financial implications of his legal battle.

With his accounts frozen by authorities, he called on his joint venture partners, including the Jacob Zuma Foundation, to help save the business. The businessman also requested R5,000 “sponsorship” from each of his backers to fund legal costs and bail.

Bail Application For Louis Lienberg

Louis Liebenberg chose to pause his bail bid on Friday, stating that he did not want to delay his wife’s chance of being released. As the alleged mastermind of the elaborate scam, he anticipated that his opposed bail application would be lengthy.

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The group was apprehended last month and charged with over 50 counts related to an alleged diamond investment scam, which reportedly caused thousands of unsuspecting investors to lose over R4 billion in 2019. The other seven accused were granted bail ranging from R5,000 to R100,000 last month.

The main matter for all nine accused is scheduled to return to court in February next year. In her bail affidavit, Desiree Liebenberg stated that she intended to stand trial and would plead not guilty to all charges against her.

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