Phala Phala Case: Court Rejects Bid To Drop Charges Against Ramaphosa Farm Accused

The Modimolle Regional Court has rejected an application by three Namibian nationals seeking to have charges against them withdrawn in the Phala Phala farm burglary case.

Magistrate Peter Manthata ruled that the accused have a case to answer, allowing the trial to proceed to the defence stage.

The accused — Imanuwela David and siblings Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph — face charges of housebreaking, theft and money laundering.

Accused Linked to Alleged Phala Phala Farm Burglary

The trio are accused of breaking into the Limpopo farm of President Cyril Ramaphosa in February 2020 and stealing approximately $580,000 (about R10 million) allegedly concealed inside a sofa.

The state has presented testimony from more than 20 witnesses before closing its case.

David is alleged to be the mastermind behind the burglary, while Froliana Joseph is said to have previously worked as a domestic worker on the property.

Magistrate Finds Evidence Sufficient for Defence

Following the state’s case, the accused brought a Section 174 application in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that the evidence presented was circumstantial and insufficient to secure a conviction. However, the court found otherwise.

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“Considering the principles laid down in the above cases, I find that accused 2 and 3 also have a case to answer. Consequently, the application by accused 1, 2 and 3 for discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 is dismissed,” Manthata ruled.

The magistrate stated that the circumstantial evidence placed before the court established sufficient links between the accused and the alleged offences.

The trial will now proceed to the defence phase. A new court date has not yet been set.