The High Court in Pretoria has delivered a significant ruling in the ongoing investigations involving diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg and his wife, Desiree. The court has granted the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit a final forfeiture order in terms of section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, ensuring that R4 million, together with accrued interest, will now be transferred to the State.
The money, kept in a Standard Bank account under the name of ZencoCare (Pty) Ltd, was at the centre of protracted legal wrangling. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, ZencoCare was part of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group of companies, with Desiree Liebenberg listed as the sole director.
“Both are implicated in an unlawful investment scheme that lured members of the public, locally and abroad, to invest in diamond parcels with the promise of lucrative, short-term returns. Investigations revealed that no such diamond parcels existed.
“Instead, investor funds were misappropriated and used to pay earlier investors, in a manner typical of an unlawful multiplication (Ponzi-type) scheme,” explained NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.
The NPA stated that in 2024, ZencoCare authorised a transfer of R5 million to a firm of attorneys. Of this amount, R1 million was directed to Eskom, allegedly for mining-related activities.
“However, the crucial R4 million, along with the accrued interest, has now been secured as forfeited funds to the State. Initially, these assets were intended for the acquisition of West Coast Resources (Pty) Ltd, a diamond mining enterprise located in the Northern Cape,” Mahanjana said.
The recovered funds will not simply remain idle. They will be directed into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account, which exists to ensure that money derived from unlawful activities is redirected to support the fight against organised crime and corruption. Authorities maintain that this demonstrates how financial gains from criminal conduct can ultimately be transformed into resources for the public good.
The NPA welcomed the ruling, calling it a decisive step in sending a strong signal to those who attempt to profit unlawfully. Officials described it as a milestone in the pursuit of justice.
The Liebenbergs, along with seven other co-accused, now face multiple charges including fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering.
“They are due to appear before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court on November 25, with both Louis and Desiree currently in custody, while their co-accused await proceedings on bail,” the NPA said.
