Two of the three Phala Phala suspects have been handed bail by the Bela Bela Magistrates Court in Limpopo.
Froliana Joseph was handed bail of R5 000, while her brother, David, was handed bail of R10 000.
The matter of the third suspect, Imanuwela David, was however postponed to 6 December.
The trio are charged with several counts of housebreaking and theft of $580 000 in cash at the farm of President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020.
“In respect of accused number two, bail is fixed at an amount of R5 000.
This amount may be paid at the clerk of the court of Bela Bela, at any prison or police station facility,” ruled Magistrate Predeshni Poonan.
She set strict bail conditions for Froliana, who used to work at the farm as a cleaner.
“The accused must avail herself in the next court appearance, refrain from communication with witnesses for the prosecution and hand over the passport until the matter has been finalized,” warned Poonan about some of the conditions for Froliana.
Froliana’s brother David was also handed bail by the same court with conditions too.
“In respect of accused number three, bail is hereby set at R10 000.
He must not leave the jurisdiction of Mthatha without prior arrangement with the investigating officer, “ruled the Magistrate.
During his last court appearance, David informed the court that he has a permanent job as a driver for a Fidelity security company in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
The magistrate warned the siblings not to violate the conditions, the bail will be canceled, and money forfeited to the state, and a warrant of arrest issued.
Poonan highlighted that it is in the interest of the accused and those of justice to hand them bail, and that the state did not oppose both accused number two and three being released on bail.
Imanuwela’s fate will however be finalized during his next court appearance next month.
“The matter will be postponed for December 6 for address verification as well as bail application in respect of accused number one.
Accuse number one will remain in custody until such time,” said Poonan.
The National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo said it will oppose Imanuwela’s bail application.
