Phala Phala robbery: $580,000 trial starts as trio plead not guilty
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo is back in the spotlight as the trial against the accused who stole money hidden in a couch begins.
Image: IOL
The three accused implicated in the robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them in the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo on Monday.
Immanuela David and siblings, Florian and Ndilinasho Joseph, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them after the theft of $580,000 from the Phala Phala game farm in 2020.
The trio faces charges of theft, housebreaking, and conspiracy to commit housebreaking with the intent to steal.
David also faces a charge of money laundering.
The money was allegedly stolen from a couch on Ramaphosa’s property, where it was hidden.
After several delays, the trial began just two years after the trio was arrested.
As the State presents its case before the court, a total of 20 witnesses are expected to be called against the accused in the matter.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL