PRETORIA. – Louis Liebenberg, the alleged diamond investment fraudster facing R4 billion fraud charges alongside his wife Desiree and seven co-accused, has been ordered to undergo 30 days of psychiatric observation at Weskoppies Hospital. The Gauteng High Court upheld the order in February 2026 after Liebenberg challenged it. He must report to court on 15 July before being escorted to Weskoppies by Colonel Danie Bruwer of the Hawks.
The observation will assess Liebenberg’s fitness to stand trial under Section 77 of the Criminal Procedure Act and whether any mental illness affected his criminal responsibility under Section 78. The court outlined strict admission conditions: Liebenberg may bring only essential personal items and a valid medication prescription, but medication will be supplied by the hospital.
Judge Mandla Mbongwe ruled that the referral was in Liebenberg’s constitutional interests and that the magistrate acted within her discretion when ordering the evaluation following his chaotic self-representation during bail proceedings.
Prosecutors told the court that extensions beyond 30 days are uncommon. If Liebenberg is found fit to stand trial, the criminal case proceeds. If found unfit, proceedings are paused pending reassessment or recovery. A finding of criminal non-responsibility could result in declaration as a state patient.
The observation resolves a procedural delay that has extended nearly a year.
