Only white people were allowed to register to invest in the infamous diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg’s diamond packages. This is according to COO of AE Switch, the payment platform that Liebenberg used to operate Tariomix, better known as Forever Diamonds and Gold (FDG).

Ian Jansen’s claim was confirmed by CEO of AE Switch Tiaan Lombard, as well as an individual close to the case who spoke to The Citizen on the condition of anonymity.

Liebenberg, the alleged mastermind behind FDG, advertised diamonds on social media, luring investors with promises of huge profits that never materialised.

According to Jansen, Liebenberg’s office identified certain individuals and requested their removal from the platform. The office then informed AE Switch that no person of colour is allowed on the platform.

Speaking to The Citizen on Thursday from the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility where he is being held, Liebenberg said white and coloured people were allowed on his platform. “The reason for that is that the white Afrikaner has money. I want everyone to be united. That’s why I gave money to former president Jacob Zuma. I told him that I’m a proud Afrikaner and he’s a proud Zulu, and then we shook hands,” he said.