By Carien Grobler
Deputy Digital Editor
Controversial diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg and his wife Dezzi were arrested by the Hawks on Tuesday while dining at an Italian restaurant at the Benoni Country Club. Their arrest comes after an ongoing investigation into a multi-billion-rand diamond investment scam that has been defrauding investors since 2019.
According to Die Waarheid Media, Louis’ online publication, the Liebenbergs were detained by Colonel Danie Bruwer and approximately 15 heavily armed Hawks officers at Tonino restaurant. The couple was handcuffed and taken in separate vehicles. Though the police did not disclose where they were being transported, Louis Liebenberg’s legal team has been notified.
Private investigator Mike Bolhuis confirmed the arrests and thanked whistleblowers and his team for their work on the case. He added that more arrests were likely, and investigation efforts were being led by various institutions, including South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Hawks, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The Liebenbergs are among a larger group of individuals believed to be involved in a diamond investment fraud, where more than R4 billion was allegedly scammed from investors. According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase, eight individuals were arrested on Tuesday, with further arrests expected.
The charges against the suspects, including the Liebenbergs, involve fraud, money laundering, theft, and racketeering. The suspects will be appearing in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 24, as the investigation continues to unfold.
Authorities are calling for anyone with information regarding the Liebenbergs or the scam to come forward, as the investigation into their criminal activities intensifies.
