KEY POINTS
- Louis Liebenberg alleges intimidation and threats during his detention at Kgosi Mampuru prison amid serious fraud and money laundering charges.
- Liebenberg and his associates are accused of defrauding investors in a R4.4 billion ($249.4 million) diamond investment scheme.
- His attorney claims prison guards have subjected Liebenberg to abusive treatment, including strip searches and threats, to intimidate him mentally.
Louis Liebenberg, a controversial figure in the diamond industry, has leveled allegations of intimidation and threats during his detention at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria.Â
The claims arise as Liebenberg, alongside his wife and seven employees, faces serious charges of fraud, theft, money laundering and racketeering in proceedings at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court.
Massive fraud exposed
As reported by Eyewitness News, the group was arrested for orchestrating a massive R4.4 billion ($249.4 million) diamond investment scheme that defrauded thousands of investors.Â
As the proceedings unfolded, Liebenberg’s attorney—whose identity remains undisclosed due to a court ruling—claimed that his client is being specifically targeted while incarcerated.
Allegations of prison abuse and intimidation
“Everyone he associates with in custody has been assaulted if they befriend him. “Recently, guards entered his cell late at night, subjected him to a strip search, and performed a cavity search, falsely accusing him of possessing a cellphone,” the attorney stated. Liebenberg’s legal representative claims these actions constitute mental abuse, adding that the threats are primarily coming from prison guards rather than fellow inmates.
“They are attempting to intimidate him and break him mentally. “The guards continually threaten him, alleging he is plotting something, all while he remains in isolation,” he emphasized, highlighting the gravity of the reported mistreatment.
