Louis Liebenberg to Undergo Mental Evaluation at Weskoppies, SA Thinks He’s Pulling a Jacob Zuma
- Diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg will have to undergo a 30-day mental evaluation at Weskoppies Hospital
- Liebenberg has had numerous outbursts in court, even telling the magistrate to keep quiet at one point
- Social media users shared their thoughts on the situation, with some saying they've seen the same tactics before
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Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Louis Liebenberg will have to undergo a 30-day mental evaluation, but many think it’s all a tactic to escape trial.
The diamond dealer is accused of running a multibillion-rand Ponzi scheme and was arrested in October 2024. He has maintained his innocence, saying that he was targeted for supporting Jacob Zuma.
The 61-year-old has been appearing in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court, where he is representing himself in his bail application, but it has been nothing short of chaotic.
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Why does Liebenberg need a mental evaluation?
The diamond dealer will have to undergo a 30-day mental evaluation at Pretoria’s Weskoppies Hospital following his outburst in court. The magistrate made the order so that a doctor could determine whether Liebenberg understood the court procedures.
She made the order after he disrupted the proceedings by accusing the magistrate, the prosecution, and Correctional Services of bullying him.
He also told the magistrate to keep quiet at one stage, saying that she sounded like his mother.
“You sound like my mother. Leave me alone so that I can speak. I deserve the freedom to speak, just like any other person. Don’t interrupt me,” Liebenberg said.
He also took issue with having to call her “Your Worship”, saying that he only worshipped God.
“The Bible says clearly that I cannot worship anyone apart from God. We got this thing from England. It does not mean I don’t have respect, but I have a problem calling someone worship,” he exclaimed.
You can watch his rant below.
What’s next for Liebenberg?
The Liebenberg 61-year-old will appear in court again on 29 August 2025 as the matter was postponed until then so that it can be determined when a bed will be available at Weskoppies for him.
The magistrate suggested that he get a Legal Aid lawyer to represent him going forward as well. Liebenberg has been representing himself because there is no more money available for his legal representation.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users weighed in on Liebenberg’s antics in court, with some suggesting that he was trying to pretend that he was unfit to stand trial.
Wynand Kuypers said:
“The lights are on, but nobody is home.”
Sean McCarthy stated:
“His plan is going exactly how he wanted it to go. Brilliant actor. His goal is to be placed under house arrest because of his poor medical conditions! Mark my words.”
Bee Byte recalled:
“Shabir and uBaba used the same tactic to be free.”
Kayakazi Dasi added:
“He’s doing it intentionally to evade justice.”
Wendy Hichens Alexander said:
“He’s doing a Shabir or Zuma.”
Liebenberg claims a journalist taunted him
Briefly News reported that this isn't the first time the diamond dealer has had an outburst in the courtroom.
In November 2024, he took issue with a journalist taking photos of him during his wife's bail application.
Liebenberg claimed that the journalist was taunting him, saying that he asked the media to respect their privacy.
Source: Briefly News
