Third suspect to join two accused of theft and money laundering at Phala Phala farm
On 10 November the two accused, including a third suspect of the break-in and theft at Phala Phala appeared in a heavily guarded magistrate's court in Bela-Bela.
The local courtroom was packed with various media houses, waiting from around 8 am until after 11 am for the court case to proceed. Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the NPA regional spokesperson, said the alleged were consulting with their lawyers.
On Tuesday, 7 November Froliana Joseph (30) and Imanuwel David (39) made their first appearance in court. The case was postponed for David to receive legal representation. However, Imanuwel’s legal representation was not present for the hearing.
According to Mashudu, a third suspect was arrested on the 9th of November after he handed himself in at SAPS Bela-Bela.
Imanuwel David, Froliana Joseph, and the third suspect, Ndilinasho David Joseph (27) entered the courtroom looking down and trying to conceal their faces.
While it was made clear to the media that David and Joseph knew each other, it is still unknown to what extent they are related. However, David Joseph, the third suspect is the brother of Froliana Joseph who allegedly worked as a domestic worker at Phala Phala, said Mashudu. David Joseph is facing charges of break-in and theft and an additional charge of money laundering. The charge sheet was not available to the media, because according to Mashudu amendments must be done.
Proceedings continued for the bail application hearing of Froliana Joseph and David Joseph for crimes committed at the Phala Phala farm.
Joseph pleaded not guilty and denied any involvement in the arrest charges. Both Froliana and David Joseph applied for bail. The state did not oppose it.
The case has been postponed, once again for Imanuwel David to be legally represented and for a judgment to be made. Their next court appearance will be on the 17th of November. All three suspects remain in custody.
