The office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile has announced that arrangements are under way to return a precious stone gifted to his wife, Humile Mashatile from controversial diamond dealer, Louis Liebenberg.
Mashatiles office says after Humile received the precious stone, professionals were engaged to verify its authenticity and value so it could be declared.
Liebenberg, his wife, and seven others stand trial on 42 charges of fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering.
Mashatiles spokesperson, Keith Khoza says, Because there were no issues, she took the gift. It was going to be declared. But first, they needed to authenticate the piece and also determine its cost so that when you declare, you declare based also on the cost of what has been given.
So while it was being looked at, we came across the information about a number of allegations that were raised against Mr Liebenberg. So, we felt that given the character of Mr Liebenberg is in question and his dealings with other questionable people, it would not be prudent to accept anything from him, adds Khoza.
