Siblings Froliana and David Joseph, along with their friend Imanuwela David, are accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm. Image: Pixabay.
(The Post News)– The trial of the three accused in the theft of millions of rand in foreign currency at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala Farm in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, is set to start at the Modimolle Regional Court on Monday.
A few months ago, the trial was postponed to give Floriana time to attend to her pregnancy. In February 2020, siblings Froliana and David Joseph, along with their friend Imanuwela David, were accused of breaking into Ramaphosa’s game farm and stealing $580,000 in cash that had been hidden in a sofa. They face charges of housebreaking, theft, and conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.
The Phala Phala incident almost ruined Ramaphosa’s political career, with people calling him to resign for allegedly breaching the ethics codes in the aftermath of the crime. The trial has been set for two days this week. It will be heard on Monday and Wednesday. More than 20 witnesses are expected, according to the state, adding that cell phone mapping was the only evidence that required a technical aspect. The National Prosecuting Authority believes it has a strong case against them.
During the bail application stage, the trio filed affidavits saying they intend to plead not guilty to all charges. Phala Phala’s former housekeeper, Froliana, and her brother, Ndilinasho, who are accused numbers two and three, were released on R5,000 and R10,000 bail in November 2023. Meanwhile, David was denied bail and has been in custody since his arrest.
About the Author
