Phala Phala suspects in custody
Two suspects appeared in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday November 7 on charges of theft, housebreaking with the intent to steal, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit housebreaking with the intent to steal and a charge of money laundering.
The case of the alleged robbers, Imanuwela David (39) and Frolian Joseph (30), is linked to the theft in January 2020 of a large amount of money (foreign currency) at Pres Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm Phala Phala in die Bela-Bela district.
According to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, NPA Regional Spokesperson, an estimated amount of 580 000 US dollars was stolen at Phala Phala. One of the suspects was apprehended on Sunday 5 November in Rustenburg and the other suspect was taken into custody by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) in Bela-Bela on Monday 6 November.
Investigations revealed that between 1 January and 8 January 2020 the accused conspired to commit housebreaking with intent to steal at Phala Phala farm. Malabi-Dzhangi said that David and two others entered another farm, Stokkiesdraai, believing that it was the Phala Phala farm, prior to the break-in at the president’s farm homestead. Nothing was stolen at Stokkiesdraai. The following night they allegedly located the Phala Phala farm where they entered the premises and stole approximately 580 000 US dollars that had reportedly been stashed in couches.
The case has been postponed to Friday November 10 for David to arrange legal representation and for a formal bail application for both suspects. Both suspects will remain in police custody.
