The ongoing case against Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph, and her brother Ndilinasho Joseph, in connection with the infamous break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, has been postponed following a medical condition of one of the accused. The matter returned to court yesterday, prompting fresh attention to the high-profile incident that has captivated the nation.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed that the trial has been rescheduled for September 15, with a projected commencement date extending to October 8, 2025 in the Modimolle Regional Court. Despite the NPA’s readiness to proceed with the trial on the scheduled date, the court granted a postponement after the legal representative for Froliana Joseph, the second accused, cited her medical condition. Both the state and David’s legal team agreed with the application for adjournment, leading to the current timeline.
The trio faces serious allegations, including counts of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with the intent to steal, two counts of housebreaking and theft, and money laundering, which is specifically applicable to Imanuwela David. The case took public interest due to its connections to South Africa’s presidency and the significance of the Phala Phala farm in the political landscape.
Last year, it was revealed that the accused are originally from Namibia, but are South African citizens. “They come from Namibia, but they are citizens of South Africa. They are legally here in South Africa,” stated the NPA previously, underlining their legal status in the country.
Imanuwela David remains in custody, having been denied bail since his arrest in 2023, while siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph have been released on bail of R5,000 and R10,000, respectively, in November 2023. Froliana, who previously worked as a domestic helper at the Phala Phala farm, adds a personal dimension to the case, heightening the intrigue surrounding the proceedings.
As the new trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the Modimolle Regional Court to see how this challenging legal situation unfolds, as both the public and political spheres remain deeply invested in the outcome.