Minister of Correctional Services Dr. Pieter Groenewald has since denied the allegations and called on Liebenberg to identify authorities and provide evidence to support his claims.

The minister said Liebenberg would be treated like other detainees.

Louis Liebenberg’s legal team has revealed that following his transfer to Kgoši Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria, he was confronted by two officials who appeared to have been informed of his arrival in advance.

Liebenberg claims that the Minister ordered the officials to mistreat him.

Liebenberg’s legal council also claimed to have overheard conversations in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court that showed a deliberate campaign against him.

Eight people, including Liebenberg and his wife, appeared in court on Thursday.

They face charges of fraud, theft and extortion.

The defendants are allegedly linked to a massive R4-billion diamond investment scam that defrauded thousands of investors.

While Liebenberg and his wife remain the only defendants who have not yet requested bail, the prosecutor’s office is preparing to object to their requests.

The bail proceedings of Liebenberg and his wife were postponed until November 15, 2024.

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