Phala Phala Burglary Trial Judgment Set for 2 November 2026
MODIMOLLE, LIMPOPO – Judgment in the closely watched Phala Phala farm burglary trial is expected to be handed down in the Modimolle Regional Court on 2 November 2026.
Imanuwela David and siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph are accused of involvement in the theft of approximately US$580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.
The alleged burglary occurred in February 2020, but the matter only became public two years later.
The accused face charges that include housebreaking, theft and money laundering. David has remained in custody, while the Joseph siblings have been released on bail.
During the trial, the prosecution called more than 20 witnesses as it attempted to link the accused to the burglary, the stolen foreign currency and subsequent spending.
The State has relied substantially on circumstantial evidence, including cellphone information, movements of the accused and evidence about the purchase of vehicles, property, jewellery and gifts following the alleged theft.
David has denied that his assets were purchased using stolen money and has maintained that the funds came from other business activities.
The defence has questioned aspects of the police investigation, including the delay in reporting the burglary and allegations that the scene was disturbed before the authorities conducted a formal investigation.
The case attracted national attention because the money was allegedly stolen from a property belonging to the sitting president and was reportedly concealed inside furniture.
The criminal case concerns the alleged burglary and the conduct of the three accused. It is separate from political and regulatory questions previously raised about the origin and handling of the foreign currency.
All three accused remain presumed innocent until the court delivers its judgment.
