Phala Phala case: Verdict results in 2 convictions

The verdict in the Phala Phala case was delivered yesterday, 02 November 2026, resulting in the conviction of two of the three accused by the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo.

Also see: President Ramaphosa off the hook in Phala Phala case

The case involved the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm, and sentencing has been postponed until 13 November 2026.

Suspects found guilty

Regional magistrate Peter Manthata found the first accused, Imanuwela David, guilty of three charges, including conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, and money laundering. The former cleaner who was found to have helped plot the break-in, Froliana Joseph, was convicted on the charge of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.

The third accused, the former cleaner’s brother, was acquitted of all charges. All three of the accused were found not guilty of housebreaking with intent to steal at Stokkiesdraai, a neighbouring farm. The case of the theft was made public back in June 2022, two years after the actual crime.

The case went public after former State Security Agency head Arthur Fraser laid a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa, accusing him of concealing the theft of US dollars hidden in a couch at the farm.

At the time, the president faced possible impeachment over the perceived violation of the law and the Constitution found by an independent panel appointed by Parliament. However, the National Assembly voted the following month not to adopt its report.

Also see: President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks on impact of country’s growing violence

“I have not been following all that”

While speaking to the press yesterday, 02 November 2026, during his visit to the PSL office, Ramaphosa was asked about his views regarding the court proceedings that were happening on the same day.

He shared that he hadn’t followed up on the facts of the case; however, he maintains that law enforcement must be allowed to do their work without fear or favour.

[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has not been following developments in the Phala Phala farm theft case, where judgment is expected today. He’s reiterated that law enforcement and other institutions must be allowed to do their work without fear or favour. #Newzroom405 https://t.co/kUYX9Jgfa8

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 2, 2026

Featured image: X/@GovernmentZA

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