Phala Phala Farm Theft: Closing arguments set for November
Updated Aug. 6, 2026, 9:45 a.m. | By Mmangaliso Khumalo The State and defence have concluded closing arguments in the Phala Phala burglary matter, with the…
The Full Story
Updated Aug. 6, 2026, 9:45 a.m. | By Mmangaliso Khumalo
The State and defence have concluded closing arguments in the Phala Phala burglary matter, with the Modimolle Regional Court set to deliver judgment in November.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said both sides presented their final submissions before the court on Wednesday.
The matter has been postponed to 2 November 2026 for judgment.
The trial relates to the alleged theft of 580-thousand US dollars in foreign currency from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in February 2020.
Three accused, Imanuwela David and siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph, are facing charges including conspiracy to commit housebreaking, housebreaking with intent to steal, theft and money laundering.
The State alleges that David was the mastermind behind the crime and that the cash was stolen from under a couch at the farmhouse.
David remains in custody, while the Joseph siblings are out on bail.
The trial previously reached a key stage when the court dismissed the accused's application for discharge.
The court found that the State had presented sufficient evidence to call the accused to answer the charges.
NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that closing arguments have now been completed.
The Phala Phala matter has also had wider political implications, with allegations surrounding the handling of the theft contributing to calls for accountability and the Section 89 parliamentary impeachment process involving Ramaphosa.
The President has previously denied wrongdoing and maintained that he did not improperly benefit from the funds involved.
New bill proposes Men's Day for South Africa
Could South Africa soon have an official Men’s Day?
Chad le Clos loses home in fatal fire
The athlete also paid tribute to his “neighbour of many years” who died in…