Two Convicted Over Phala Phala Theft as Magistrate Slams Police Probe
A magistrate court convicted two individuals for their roles in the high-profile 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Limpopo game farm, despite criticizing police investigative efforts.
At a glance
- The Modimolle Magistrates’ Court found Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking and theft.
- A third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph, was acquitted of all charges by Magistrate Peter Manthata.
- The trial judge criticized the police investigation for lacking fingerprints and usable footage and taking two years to open a case.
- The case stems from the theft of $580,000 hidden in a couch at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm.
More than six years after hundreds of thousands of US dollars were stolen from President Cyril Ramaphosa's game farm, a court has handed down its first convictions in the case. The Modimolle Magistrates’ Court found two people guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking and theft over the February 2020 burglary.
Magistrate Peter Manthata convicted Imanuwela David, identified by the State as the mastermind, and Froliana Joseph, a former cleaner at the Phala Phala property. Froliana's brother, Ndilinasho Joseph, was cleared of all charges and acquitted during Monday's proceedings.
Court focuses on luxury spending and cash
The prosecution built its case around the sudden influx of wealth experienced by David following the break-in at the Limpopo farm, where the cash had been secreted inside a couch. Evidence presented in court showed that David rapidly acquired multiple luxury vehicles, registered properties, custom dental grills, and diamond-adorned watches.
Manthata rejected the defence's arguments regarding the legitimacy of David's funds during the Covid-19 pandemic. Defence lawyer Koena Matlala had maintained that his client earned money through car import-export ventures and assistance with an uncle's construction business, submitting an invoice showing prior payments for an excavation truck.
Judge criticizes investigators over missing evidence
In delivering his judgment, Manthata drew attention to significant shortcomings in how authorities handled the initial crime scene. He noted the total absence of usable video footage and fingerprints, concluding that the investigation into a break-in at the head of state's residence was handled poorly and noting the criminal case was opened two years late.
The ruling brings a legal milestone to a scandal that has dogged Ramaphosa politically, intersecting with separate parliamentary impeachment committee processes and police watchdog findings regarding the conduct of the Presidential Protection Service.
What to watch: Pre-sentence proceedings have been scheduled for Friday, 13 November 2026.
Reporting from: Daily Maverick. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Phala Phala
- Cyril Ramaphosa
- Crime
- South Africa
- Courts
- Politics