RAMAPHOSA FARM HEIST: R9m Phala Phala theft trial wrestles with circumstantial evidence poser
A delayed police investigation, allegations of evidence tampering and a case built largely on cellphone records, unexplained wealth and inferences have left the Modimolle Magistrates’ Court with one question: has the State proved beyond reasonable doubt that the three accused conspired to steal more than R9m at the Phala Phala farm?
Modimolle Magistrates' Court is deliberating over a two-year trial involving three individuals accused of stealing over R9 million from President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm. The trial hinged on circumstantial evidence, including cellphone records, unexplained wealth, and inferences, due to a delayed police investigation and allegations of evidence tampering.
The state argues that the accused conspired to steal the money, but the defence contends that the evidence is far-fetched and lacks proven facts. The three accused are Imanuwela David, Floriana Joseph, and Ndilinasho Joseph, who is alleged to have obtained the money after it was hidden inside a couch. The defence argues that the purchases made by David after the theft cannot be automatically linked to the stolen money, and that cellphone evidence places the accused in the vicinity but not at the exact scene of the crime.
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