Thanks, but no thanks: Paul Mashatile’s wife to return “unsolicited” diamond to alleged scammer Louis Liebenberg

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said his wife Humile would return a diamond she received from the alleged mastermind of a diamond scam investment, Louis Liebenberg.

In a brief statement, Mashatile’s acting spokesperson, Keith Khoza said the office of the deputy president previously revealed that Humile Mashatile was given “an unsolicited gift” of the precious stone by Liebenberg.

“As previously reported, the head of the office of the deputy president, Mr Mduduzi Mbada engaged professionals to verify the stone's authenticity and value, for purposes of declaring it in Parliament,” said Khoza.

He said while dealing with this matter, a number of allegations surfaced against Liebenberg.

“Due to the nature of allegations made against the donor, the head of office decided that the gift be returned,” said Khoza.

“Arrangements are currently underway to return the gift. The deputy president and Mrs Mashatile are fully briefed and have agreed to the decision.”

Last month, IOL reported that Liebenberg's wife, Desiree Liebenberg, was denied bail by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court.

This happened after the State argued that that she was a flight risk because she had access to at least R200 million that her husband claims to have hidden away from authorities.

The couple, together with their co-accused; Magdelena Petronella Kleynhans, Johannes Petrus Badenhorst, Helena Dorothea Amy Schulenburg, Adriaan Dewald Strydom, Christelle Badenhorst, Nicolize van Heerden and Walter Niendinger, are facing a myriad of charges.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused face 42 counts of fraud (alternatively theft), five counts of racketeering, six counts of money laundering, theft and various statutory offences, including contraventions of the Companies Act.

Liebenberg and Desiree also face additional charges of money laundering.

IOL