The Modimolle Regional Court on 2 November 2026 found Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph guilty of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft in connection with the February 2020 robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm near Bela-Bela, Limpopo. They were linked by cellphone records to the theft of approximately US$580 000 hidden under a couch. Ndilinasho Joseph, the third accused, was acquitted.
Magistrate Peter Manthata said the state had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against the two convicted men. He emphasised the communication between David and Joseph suggested a conspiracy to break into the farmhouse and steal the cash.
“Considering the evidence in its totality, the only inference I can draw under the circumstances is that the communication between the accused one and two was about the dollar hidden under the couch at the house in the Phala Phala farm,” the magistrate said during the judgment.
David was also found guilty of money laundering according to News24, although this additional conviction has not been verified independently by other major reports. Court proceedings have been consistent about the core charges of housebreaking and theft.
The theft occurred on 9 February 2020, following a break-in at a neighbouring farm the previous day where nothing was taken. The cash was stolen from the Phala Phala farmhouse, reportedly hidden under a couch. The case took nearly seven years to reach this verdict.
Sentencing was postponed to 13 November 2026, pending further proceedings at the Modimolle Regional Court.
This conviction is significant given the high-profile nature of the farm and incident involving the sitting South African president. It also highlights the challenges in prosecuting complex theft cases involving substantial sums and multiple accused.
At the time of writing, the Cape Flats News journalist will check back for updates following the sentencing hearing scheduled for next week.