NPA Secures R4 Million Forfeiture in Diamond Scam Linked to Liebenbergs

The Pretoria High Court granted the forfeiture order in terms of section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has scored a significant victory in its crackdown on organised financial crimes, securing a final forfeiture order against a bank account containing R4 million linked to controversial diamond investment figures Louis Liebenberg and his wife, Desiree Liebenberg.

Court Ruling Under Prevention of Organised Crime Act

The Pretoria High Court granted the forfeiture order in terms of section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The seized funds, held in a bank account under the name of ZencoCare (Pty) Ltd, will now be deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA). This fund is specifically mandated to channel seized criminal proceeds back into the state to bolster the fight against corruption and organised crime.

According to NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the ruling represents a critical step in ensuring that ill-gotten gains are redirected for public benefit.

“The NPA welcomes this ruling, which reinforces that criminal enterprises will not be allowed to profit from their unlawful schemes. The Asset Forfeiture Unit remains committed to stripping offenders of the benefits of crime and safeguarding the public from fraudulent conduct,” Mahanjana said.

ZencoCare and the Alleged Scam

ZencoCare formed part of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group of companies, with Desiree Liebenberg listed as the sole director. Both she and her husband Louis have been implicated in what authorities describe as an unlawful investment scheme that promised investors, locally and internationally, quick and lucrative returns from diamond parcel investments.

However, investigations revealed that no diamond parcels existed. Instead, investor contributions were misappropriated and used to pay earlier investors in a classic Ponzi-style scheme. The scheme lured hundreds of unsuspecting individuals, many of whom suffered substantial financial losses.

Criminal Charges and Ongoing Case

Louis and Desiree Liebenberg, along with seven co-accused, are currently facing an extensive list of charges, including fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering. Both remain in custody, while the co-accused are out on bail pending trial.

The case, which has drawn significant public and media attention, will continue before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court on 25 November 2025. Authorities have indicated that the current forfeiture ruling forms part of broader investigations into the operations of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group and its directors.

Protecting the Public from Fraudulent Schemes

The NPA has emphasized that this ruling should serve as a warning to other operators of fraudulent schemes that the state will not hesitate to seize assets and dismantle unlawful financial operations.

“This matter illustrates our resolve to ensure that crime does not pay,” Mahanjana stressed, highlighting the broader commitment of the AFU to restore confidence in the financial system by preventing criminals from enriching themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens.

As the court proceedings advance later this year, victims of the alleged scam are hopeful that justice will prevail, while the state continues efforts to recover misappropriated funds and ensure accountability.