The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has hit back at former police minister Bheki Cele, calling his allegations that the party was funded by alleged diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg “baseless, malicious, and defamatory.”
Speaking before an ad hoc parliamentary committee, Cele alleged that Liebenberg — whom he described as “a king of zama zamas” — had provided financial backing to the MK Party and paid R500,000 toward a private legal case involving the party.
“There is a guy called LL — Louis Liebenberg. He’s a king of zama zamas. He cleans diamonds and everything. He has millions and millions. He funds the MK Party,” Cele told the committee on Thursday.
He further claimed that Liebenberg, now in prison, had received ongoing support from MK Party members during his court appearances.
MK Party Fires Back
The MK Party swiftly rejected Cele’s remarks. Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the claims were “entirely baseless and malicious,” accusing the former minister of spreading political disinformation.
“As a former Minister of Police, Mr Cele had both the authority and the responsibility to act on any such information if it were true,” said Ndhlela. “His failure to take action while in office exposes these claims as nothing more than reckless political posturing intended to mislead the public.”
Ndhlela went further, calling Cele’s comments “a desperate attempt to score cheap political points” and “an irresponsible abuse of his public platform.”
“The MK Party views Mr Cele’s conduct as a desperate attempt to score cheap political favour at the Ad Hoc Committee, and we strongly denounce his irresponsible and dishonest statements,” he added.
The Liebenberg Connection
Cele’s allegations come amid ongoing legal troubles for Louis Liebenberg and his wife, Desiree Liebenberg, who are both facing multiple criminal charges, including fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering.
In October 2025, the High Court in Pretoria granted the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) a final forfeiture order under Section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The order related to R4 million plus interest held in a Standard Bank account under the name ZencoCare (Pty) Ltd, a company linked to Liebenberg.
According to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, ZencoCare forms part of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group, with Desiree Liebenberg listed as sole director. “Both are implicated in an unlawful investment scheme that lured members of the public, locally and abroad, to invest in diamond parcels with the promise of lucrative, short-term returns. Investigations revealed that no such diamond parcels existed,” Mahanjana said.
She explained that the couple allegedly misused investor funds to pay earlier investors — a pattern typical of a Ponzi-style investment scheme.
In 2024, ZencoCare transferred R5 million to a law firm, including R1 million paid to Eskom for mining-related activities. The remaining R4 million, along with accrued interest, has since been forfeited to the state and will be transferred to the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) — a fund dedicated to anti-corruption and law enforcement initiatives.
Legal Fallout Continues
The NPA hailed the court’s decision as a “landmark victory” in its fight against financial crime, ensuring that illicit proceeds are redirected toward public benefit.
Both Louis and Desiree Liebenberg remain in custody, while seven co-accused have been granted bail. The group is expected to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court on November 25.
While Bheki Cele’s comments have reignited public debate over political funding transparency, the MK Party insists the allegations are politically motivated distractions. With tensions still simmering after the national elections and the formation of new coalitions, the dispute underscores the growing friction between the country’s old guard and emerging political forces.
