The Phala Phala farm robbery case continues to capture public attention as three suspects accused of raiding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020 return to the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo on Tuesday, 26 November. The trio—Imanuwela David (39), David Joseph (27), and Froliana Joseph (30)—face serious charges related to the alleged heist that netted USD 580,000.
The case, originally postponed on 7 October by Magistrate Peter Manthata, will proceed with a pre-trial conference. Imanuwela David remains in custody, while David Joseph and Froliana Joseph are out on extended bail, set at R10,000 and R5,000 respectively. The court has warned that failure to attend could lead to arrest warrants being issued for the pair.
Attorney Ramoloko Mike Mokgobu, representing the two out on bail, expressed confidence in the pre-trial preparations, saying, “The 26 November date gives us ample time to prepare for the pre-trial conference.”
However, the courtroom proceedings are only part of the larger legal drama surrounding the Phala Phala scandal. The Constitutional Court is currently hearing a case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) against the Speaker of the National Assembly. This case challenges the validity of the Section 89 report, which relates to the alleged events at the Phala Phala farm.
The 2022 National Assembly had previously rejected a motion to investigate the report, which found prima facie evidence against President Ramaphosa. The Economic Freedom Fighters are backed by the African Transformation Movement (ATM) in this legal battle, and the outcome of the Constitutional Court case could have significant implications for the future of the president.
