Phala Phala Heist: ‘Mastermind’ Allegedly Opened Hair Salon To Wash Stolen Cash

Explosive testimony at the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo has revealed new details about how stolen money from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm was allegedly laundered.

A Hawks financial crimes detective told the court on Tuesday that the alleged mastermind behind the burglary, Imanuwela David, opened a hair salon shortly after the break-in as a front to clean some of the stolen funds.

The evidence emerged during ongoing trial proceedings linked to the high-profile farm burglary.

Hair Salon Allegedly Used to Move Stolen Millions

According to the detective, David opened a business account with First National Bank (FNB) for the hair salon just days after the burglary at the president’s Limpopo farm.

The court heard that money flowing into the account was withdrawn almost immediately, raising red flags for investigators.

“Transactional analysis of the account was for the period 28 February 2020 to 1 June 2022. During this period, cash inflow was R780 534,12 and cash outflow R779 685,67.”

The detective said the movement of funds showed classic indicators of money laundering, with minimal balances retained in the account.

Accused Face Charges as Money Trail Widens

David is facing charges alongside siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph for allegedly breaking into the Phala Phala farm and stealing US$580,000 in cash.

Of the three accused, David is the only one charged with money laundering.

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The court also heard that a similar pattern appeared in another business account linked to David, which reportedly received deposits exceeding R1 million from alleged accomplice Eric Chikongo.

Chikongo is accused of playing a significant role in the burglary but is said to have fled to Namibia before his eventual arrest.

The trial continues as prosecutors unpack the complex financial trail linked to the controversial burglary.