The Louis Liebenberg court case took another step forward on Tuesday when the state began its disclosure process in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. Louis Liebenberg (61), his wife Dezzi Liebenberg (51) and seven co-accused face 127 charges linked to an alleged multibillion-rand diamond investment scam.

Liebenberg briefly winked at an emotional Dezzi as he entered the dock. She wiped away tears with a tissue. The matter was postponed, with Liebenberg scheduled to appear alone on 22 May regarding his psychiatric evaluation.

State Starts Disclosure Process

Prosecutors handed defence teams copies of the indictment, witness lists, evidence, statements and the racketeering certificate on Tuesday, according to Netwerk24. This marks a key milestone in the Louis Liebenberg court case, which involves allegations of fraud, theft, money laundering and racketeering tied to the Forever Diamonds and Gold / Tariomix scheme.

The court heard that Liebenberg now sits 24th on the waiting list for a 30-day psychiatric observation at Weskoppies Hospital. He cannot proceed with his bail application or the main trial until this evaluation is complete.

Psychiatric Evaluation Delays Bail and Trial

The referral to Weskoppies follows Liebenberg’s disruption of proceedings last year when he challenged the magistrate during his bail application. He remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II prison.

The full group of accused — including Dezzi Liebenberg and co-accused Ronelle Kleynhans, Hannes Badenhorst, Helena Schulenburg, Dewald Strydom, Christelle Badenhorst, Nicky van Heerden and Walter Niedinger — will return together on 19 June. They will then indicate readiness for the trial, set to begin on 5 October in the Pretoria High Court.

Background on the Alleged Scheme

The charges stem from an alleged diamond investment scheme that reportedly attracted investments exceeding R4 billion. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit previously secured a final forfeiture order for R4 million held in a company linked to Dezzi Liebenberg, confirming the scale of the investigation.