Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has made explosive claims before the parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS), stating that controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg—allegedly known as the “King of Zama Zamas”—is a key funder of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
“There is a guy called ‘LL’—Louis Liebenberg. He is a king of Zama Zamas. He cleans diamonds and everything. He has millions and millions. He funds the MK Party,” Cele told the committee during his testimony.
Cele’s remarks have sent shockwaves through political and law enforcement circles, raising serious questions about the extent of illegal mining money potentially flowing into political activities. The MK Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, has faced repeated scrutiny over its funding sources since its formation, but this is the first time a high-profile figure has publicly linked it to proceeds from illicit mining operations.
Louis Liebenberg, a businessman with interests in the diamond and precious metals sectors, has long been a controversial figure. He has previously been accused of financing illegal mining operations and maintaining close ties with individuals involved in the illicit diamond trade. However, Liebenberg has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing himself as a legitimate businessman and philanthropist.
Cele’s statement suggests that Liebenberg’s influence extends beyond mining circles and into political territory. “He has money that comes from these illegal activities, and that money finds its way into political spaces,” Cele told the committee, adding that law enforcement had for years struggled to dismantle the networks supporting illegal mining across South Africa.
The MK Party has not yet officially responded to Cele’s claims, but analysts say the allegations could have significant implications if verified. Political analyst Sandile Swana noted that “if proven true, this would expose a dangerous intersection between organized crime and political funding, undermining democratic integrity.”
The committee has since indicated that it will follow up on Cele’s statement, requesting supporting evidence to substantiate the claim. The allegations come amid mounting pressure on authorities to clamp down on Zama Zama operations, which have been linked to violent turf wars, loss of life, and massive economic losses to the state.
As investigations continue, both Liebenberg and the MK Party may soon face deeper scrutiny into the sources of their wealth and political financing—potentially opening a new front in South Africa’s ongoing battle against corruption and illicit mining.
