Minister hits back at claims he ordered officials to make Louis Liebenberg’s life ‘hell in prison’
Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has asked fraud and corruption accused, Louis Liebenberg, to identify officials who he claims "are making his life a living hell" - at his (Groenewald's) command.
Liebenberg along with his wife, ex-girlfriend and others are in court on charges relating to an alleged multi-billion Rand diamond scam.
While the rest of his accomplices have been released on bail, Liebenberg, and Desiree Liebenberg remain in custody pending their next court appearance on November 15.
At their court appearance on Thursday at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate's Court, Liebenberg's attorney claimed that when he was transferred to the Kgoši Mampuru ll Correctional Facility, Liebenberg encountered two officials who appeared to have been instructed in advance regarding his arrival.
“Liebenberg asserts that these officials were in communication with the minister, who allegedly directed them to 'make his life hell'. He claims to have overheard these exchanges and maintains that he is being specifically targeted,” the Department of Correctional Service (DCS) said in a statement.
It added that Groenewald disputed the allegations and was prepared to provide a sworn affidavit to support his position.
“He has also extended an invitation to Liebenberg to identify the officials in question, which would facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the potential correlation with their cell phone numbers,” the DCS said.
It said officials were tasked with conducting regular searches for cell phones and other contraband items. This includes responding promptly to any tip-offs received from the public.
"This is a frivolous attempt to mislead the court into granting bail by trying to win the court's sympathy," the DCS said.
Groenewald added that the case should proceed as intended.
“Liebenberg is a remand detainee and will be treated like any other remand detainee, without receiving special treatment,” Groenewald said.
“Liebenberg's status within the facility will be determined by certain factors, and his behaviour while detained will influence where he will be held awaiting trial.”
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