Three Stand Trial for $580,000 (R10mil) Heist at President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala Farm

Phala Phala Heist Trial Underway: Accused Plead Not Guilty ⚖️

MODIMOLLE – The trial for the infamous Phala Phala game farm burglary has officially begun at the Modimolle Regional Court. Almost two years after their arrest, three accused individuals, including self-proclaimed “diamond boy” Imanuwela David, along with siblings Froliana Joseph and David Joseph, have pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges.

The three are accused of playing key roles in the February 2020 break-in, where a staggering $580,000 (roughly R10 million) was allegedly stolen. The cash was reportedly hidden in a sofa on President Cyril Ramaphosa's game farm. The trial's commencement marks a significant development in a case that has been at the centre of national debate.

According to previous reports by News24, the large sum of cash was allegedly a payment from a Sudanese businessman, Hazim Mustafa, for several buffalo bred at the game farm. The court proceedings are now set to unravel the details of the highly-publicised theft and the roles of the accused.

Froliana Joseph Denies Involvement

The prosecution alleges that the theft was triggered by Froliana Joseph, a former cleaner at the farm, who is said to have discovered the cash and alerted her co-accused. However, Froliana has publicly denied these claims. In a previous interview with News24, she "vehemently denied she was the hidden hand who guided the burglars to the loot."

Her brother, David Joseph, has also pleaded not guilty to the charges. The siblings are charged with conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal and theft and housebreaking.

Meanwhile, Imanuwela David, who is also referred to as a "diamond boy", faces an additional charge of money laundering. He has also pleaded not guilty to all charges. A 2022 News24 investigation uncovered that David had led a lavish life of fast cars and diamond jewellery, even after being deported from Namibia. This was despite spending months in jail for illegally entering the country by sneaking across the border following the robbery.

The trial is set to continue as the court seeks to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused in a case that has captivated the country and raised significant questions about the President's handling of the incident.