More than six years after $580,000 was stolen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, two accused have been convicted in connection with the burglary. The Modimolle Regional Court found Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph guilty, while a third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph, was acquitted. The case is now moving to sentencing proceedings scheduled for 13 November 2026.

CRIME CONNECT | INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

The Phala Phala farm theft case has reached another significant milestone after the Modimolle Regional Court convicted two individuals in connection with the theft of $580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo game farm.

The money was stolen during a burglary at the property in February 2020, with the cash reportedly hidden inside a couch.

The case became a national political controversy in 2022 after the theft was publicly exposed and questions emerged about the handling of the incident.

On 2 November 2026, Magistrate Peter Manthata found Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph guilty on charges connected to the burglary and theft.

David was also convicted of money laundering. Froliana’s brother, Ndilinasho Joseph, was acquitted.

HOW DID THE COURT CONNECT THE ACCUSED TO THE THEFT?

During the proceedings, the court examined evidence including cellphone records and communications between individuals involved in the case.

The State’s version was that Froliana, who had worked as a cleaner at the farm, discovered the foreign currency and informed David about it.

The court found that the evidence supported the prosecution’s case against the two convicted accused.

The judgment also examined how the stolen money was allegedly used, including purchases of luxury vehicles, jewellery and property.

Reports presented during the judgment referred to purchases involving Mercedes-Benz G63 vehicles, a Porsche, a BMW M5 and a Rolex watch.

THE THIRD ACCUSED WALKS FREE

The acquittal of Ndilinasho Joseph is another important aspect of the judgment.

Despite being charged alongside his co-accused, the court found that the State had not proved its case against him.

His acquittal demonstrates why the evidence against each individual must be assessed separately, rather than assuming that everyone connected to a case is guilty.

THE POLITICAL CONTROVERSY THAT FOLLOWED

The theft became one of the most politically sensitive matters involving President Ramaphosa.

Former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges in 2022, raising allegations about the handling of the theft and the investigation that followed.

Ramaphosa maintained that the money represented payment for cattle sold to a foreign businessman.

Various investigations subsequently examined aspects of the incident, including questions about the money, the investigation and the conduct of officials.

It is important to distinguish the criminal theft trial from the separate political and institutional controversies surrounding Phala Phala.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The two convicted accused were due to return to court on 13 November 2026 for sentencing proceedings.

The sentencing phase will determine the punishment imposed by the court after considering the relevant legal factors.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Phala Phala case has remained in the public eye because it involves a presidential property, a substantial amount of foreign currency and questions that extended beyond the original burglary.

The convictions bring one part of the matter closer to conclusion, but the broader political questions surrounding the scandal have continued to attract public interest.

This article distinguishes the criminal convictions from separate allegations and controversies relating to the Phala Phala affair.