Cele Alleges Zuma's MK Party Funded by Alleged Diamond Dealer Liebenberg
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has made explosive allegations that the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, is being funded by Louis Liebenberg, an alleged diamond dealer.
Cele made these claims while testifying at the parliamentary Ad Hoc committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a briefing on July 6th.
Cele described Liebenberg as an "illegal mining kingpin" involved in the business of "cleaning diamonds and related stuff."
"He funds MKP, he maybe funds Baba and threw him MKP because he paid R500,000 for the private case to be taken to court. I think taking a case privately you pay, he paid that money and he has been arrested," Cele stated. "He is in prison as we speak for running diamonds. He has appeared in court and MK has been in court supporting him every day when he goes to court."
The former minister claimed he was unsure if the MK Party was aware of Liebenberg's alleged criminal activities, acknowledging that it is possible to meet someone and only understand their true nature at a later stage.
Liebenberg was arrested by the Hawks in October 2024, along with eight co-accused, on multiple charges including fraud, racketeering, money laundering, and various statutory offences.
At the time of the arrest, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana stated that Liebenberg allegedly registered 15 companies, with his ex-girlfriend Magdelina Kleynhans and other family members or close associates serving as directors.
According to Mahanjana, in 2020, Louis Petrus Liebenberg and Magdelena Petronella Kleynhans registered a company called Tariomix, with both listed as directors. Another company, Forever Zircon, was registered in 2021.
Both companies purportedly engaged in the buying and selling of diamonds. Potential investors were allegedly lured through social media and radio interviews, encouraged to invest in the diamond trade, and promised high returns over a short period using a cashless platform called AE Switch.
Thousands of investors reportedly made payments into the platform, amounting to approximately R4.5 billion.
"The accused utilised the proceeds of the diamond investment scheme to purchase movable and immovable assets. These include two mines, various motor vehicles, a Ford Bakkie, BMW 230i sport, Toyota Agya, Kruger rands and silver coins. And also paid for Liebenberg's lavish wedding and honeymoon in Greece. Various immovable properties, including an office block, were purchased," Mahanjana stated.
"When some investors did not receive the promised payments, they became suspicious. And they reported the matter to the SAPS, suspecting that they were defrauded," Mahanjana added.
Cele's allegations have added a new dimension to the ongoing investigations into political interference and corruption, raising serious questions about the funding sources of the MK Party and its potential links to criminal activities. The implications of these claims could be far-reaching, potentially impacting the political landscape of South Africa.
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