The Modimolle Regional Court in South Africa has found two of the three accused in the Phala Phala farm theft case guilty of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. According to the court, Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph were found guilty of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa's wildlife farm in Limpopo in February 2020 and stealing $580 000 in cash. The third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph, Froliana's brother, was acquitted on this count.
The court heard that the money was reportedly hidden inside a couch at Ramaphosa's farm. Despite the absence of direct evidence linking the accused to the break-in, Magistrate Peter Manthata found the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against David and Joseph. The magistrate said the court had to consider the totality of the evidence and draw reasonable inferences about the accused's involvement.
Manthata criticised the quality of the investigation, saying the shortcomings were particularly concerning given the significance of the property. The court heard that investigators had not produced fingerprints or video footage identifying the people who broke into the property and stole the money. Manthata expressed concern that the investigation was poorly done, especially considering the property belonged to the country's first citizen.
However, Manthata said the circumstantial evidence, including financial transactions and David's subsequent purchases, supported the state's case. The court drew an inference that the dollars David possessed and spent in purchasing cars were stolen from Phala Phala farm. This inference led to the conclusion that David was one of the culprits that broke and entered the house at Phala Phala farm and stole the dollars.
David, whom the state described as the alleged mastermind, had sought to explain the substantial amounts deposited into his bank accounts by saying he operated an import and export business during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Manthata rejected this explanation, pointing to the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. The magistrate disagreed with David's claim that importing and exporting goods were not affected during this period.
The case was postponed to 13 November for sentencing. The court's decision was based on the evidence presented, and the magistrate's verdict was delivered after careful consideration of the facts. The Phala Phala farm theft case has garnered significant attention due to its connection to President Ramaphosa's property.
The guilty verdict marks a significant development in the Phala Phala farm theft case. Key points include:
Key points
- Two of the three accused were found guilty of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.
- The court found that the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the two accused.
- The case was postponed to 13 November for sentencing.
