R10 million theft case at Ramaphosa's farm postponed

THE State has indicated its readiness to proceed with the trial involving the three people accused of the break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, where undeclared US dollars were concealed in couches.

Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the matter was postponed to September 15 for trial in the Modimolle Regional Court.

“The trio are facing counts of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, two counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, and money laundering which is applicable to the accused one, Imanuwela David,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.

She said that the state was ready to proceed with the trial on Monday.

“However, due to the medical condition of accused number two (Froliana Joseph), an application was made for a postponement by her legal representative. The legal representative of Imanuwela and the state did not oppose, given the medical condition,” she said.

“The court granted the application and the trial is scheduled to commence after three months starting from September 15 until October 8, 2025.”

Last year, IOL reported that the accused are from Namibia but South African citizens.

“They come from Namibia, but they are citizens of South Africa. They are legally here in South Africa. They have the citizenship of South Africa,” the NPA previously stated.

David was previously denied bail and has been in custody since his arrest in 2023. He is charged alongside siblings Froliana Joseph, who was a domestic worker at the Phala Phala farm and her brother, Ndilinasho.

Ramaphosa’s former housekeeper, Froliana, and her brother, Ndilinasho, who are accused number two and three, were released on R5000 and R10 000 bail, respectively, in November 2023. 

Cape Times