Pretoria: The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a final forfeiture order to seize approximately R4 million from a bank account linked to alleged diamond investment scam artists Louis Liebenberg and his wife Desiree. The High Court in Pretoria granted the order under section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

According to South African Government News Agency, Lumka Mahanjana, the money held in a bank account under the name of ZencoCare (Pty) Ltd is expected to be transferred into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA). This action ensures that proceeds from crime are redirected to the state to bolster efforts against organised crime and corruption.

ZencoCare was part of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group of companies, with Desiree Liebenberg as its sole director. Both she and Louis Liebenberg are implicated in an unlawful investment scheme that defrauded investors by promising lucrative returns on non-existent diamond parcels. Investigations revealed that funds from investors were misappropriated and used to pay earlier investors, characteristic of a Ponzi-type scheme.

The NPA has expressed approval of the court’s ruling, emphasizing that criminal enterprises will not be allowed to benefit from unlawful activities. The Asset Forfeiture Unit is committed to depriving offenders of the benefits of crime and protecting the public from fraudulent activities.

Louis and Desiree Liebenberg are facing multiple charges, including fraud and corruption, as part of broader investigations into the Forever Diamonds and Gold group and its associated entities. Along with seven co-accused, they face charges of fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering. They are expected to appear before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court on 25 November 2025. While Louis and Desiree remain in custody, their co-accused are currently out on bail.