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Court convicts two over Phala Phala farm theft

Published

The Modimolle regional court found Imanuwela David guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking, theft and money-laundering. Froliana Joseph was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking, and Ndilinasho Joseph was acquitted on all charges. The ruling came on Monday.

The case concerned the theft of $580,000 (R9.6m) in cash from President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. Magistrate Peter Manthata presided. The matter is postponed to 13 November 2026 for pre-sentence proceedings.

Ramaphosa said the cash came from Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa, who paid it to former farm manager Sylvester Ndlovu on Christmas Day in 2019. He said Mustafa wanted to buy a herd of buffalo.

Former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser opened a separate case against Ramaphosa, presidential protection head Wally Rhoode and crime intelligence members. He accused them of kidnapping and money-laundering, for allegedly hiding the break-in. The court noted a delay of two years between the incident and the opening of the criminal case.

Key facts

Who
Imanuwela David (convicted accused); Froliana Joseph (convicted accused); Ndilinasho Joseph (acquitted accused); Peter Manthata (magistrate)
What
On Monday the Modimolle regional court found David guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, theft and money-laundering, and found Froliana Joseph guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal; Ndilinasho Joseph was acquitted on all charges. The matter is postponed to November 13 2026 for pre-sentence proceedings.
When
2 November 2026
Where
Modimolle, Phala Phala farm, Limpopo
Status
Reported

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