The criminal trial arising from the alleged theft of US$580,000 (about R8.5 million) from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm near Bela-Bela in Limpopo has entered its final stage.
This comes after the State and the defence concluded their closing arguments in the Modimolle Regional Court on Wednesday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that both parties wrapped up their final submissions before the court on 5 August 2026. The matter was postponed to 2 November 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
The case stems from the alleged theft of US$580,000 in cash from the Phala Phala game farm in February 2020. The money was allegedly concealed inside furniture at the property before it was stolen during a burglary.
Imanuwela David, the alleged mastermind, and siblings Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph were charged with theft relating to the incident. Floriana Joseph was a domestic worker at Ramaphosa’s farm at the time. She allegedly tipped off her brother about the hidden money.
The incident sparked nationwide controversy after questions were raised about how the theft was handled and whether the foreign currency had been properly declared.
Over the course of the trial, the State presented evidence and called witnesses in an effort to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the defence challenged the prosecution’s evidence and maintained that the accused should be acquitted.
Following the close of the evidence, both parties presented their final legal arguments before the court.
With closing arguments now complete, the presiding magistrate will consider the evidence and legal submissions before delivering judgment on 2 November 2026.
In a media advisory issued on Wednesday, the NPA said both the prosecution and the defence had concluded their arguments and invited members of the media to attend the Modimolle Regional Court when judgment is handed down.
The outcome of the case is expected to attract significant public interest, given the political and legal attention the Phala Phala matter has drawn since the alleged burglary at the President’s Limpopo farm more than six years ago.
