The trial of three individuals accused of stealing foreign currency from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm is set to commence today at the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo.
The accused — Immanuela David, along with siblings Floriana and Ndilinasho Joseph — face charges of housebreaking, theft, and conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal. The case centres on a high-profile 2020 incident in which over US$580,000, allegedly hidden in a sofa on the game farm, was stolen.
Immanuela David remains in custody after being denied bail, while the Joseph siblings were granted bail pending trial.
According to the prosecution, 23 witnesses are expected to take the stand. The defence for the Joseph siblings has indicated it will call five witnesses, including the two accused.
At the time of the alleged theft, Floriana Joseph was employed as a domestic worker at the Phala Phala farm. Prosecutors allege she tipped off her co-accused about the stash of foreign currency hidden inside the furniture.
The case has drawn national attention due to its connection to the sitting president and ongoing debates over the handling and reporting of the incident.