Court finds two accused guilty of Phala Phala farm theft

The Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo found two of the three accused guilty of stealing over $580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in February 2020. Imanuwela David and Floriana Joseph were convicted of the theft after cellphone records provided evidence linking them to the crime. The third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph, was acquitted of all charges.

The court postponed the sentencing to November 13, 2026. Magistrate Peter Manthata stated that the state proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, concluding that David and Joseph conspired to break into the house and steal the money hidden under the couch. David allegedly used part of the stolen money to buy his girlfriend a vehicle and an apartment, later repossessing the vehicle when their relationship ended.