The NPA was to extradite two more suspects from Namibia in the Phala Phala farm case. Image: The South African
Phala Phala farm: NPA seeks extradition of two more suspects
The NPA says the Phala Phala matter has been postponed for further investigations after three suspects appeared in court on Friday.
The NPA was to extradite two more suspects from Namibia in the Phala Phala farm case. Image: The South African
The criminal case against three people arrested last year in connection with the theft of $580,000 (R10 million) at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in February 2020 has been postponed to April after they appeared in court on Friday.
Imanuwela David, 39, is charged alongside siblings Froliana Joseph, a domestic worker at the Phala Phala farm, and her brother, Ndilinasho Joseph. The three suspects are South African citizens of Namibian origin, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
CASE POSTPONED TO 26 APRIL FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION
“The accused in the Phala Phala matter has been postponed to 26 April for further investigations. The State requested postponement to finalise outstanding investigations which involves assistance of the third parties like cellphones records and video footage,” said Malabi-Dzhangi, the regional spokesperson for the NPA.
According to the NPA, investigations have revealed that from 1 January 2020, the accused people conspired to commit housebreaking with the intent to steal at the Phala Phala farm.
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PHALA PHALA: EXTRADITION OF TWO MORE SUSPECTS FROM NAMIBIA
“They come from Namibia, but they are citizens of South Africa. They are legally here in South Africa. They have the citizenship of South Africa,” Malabi-Dzhangi said.
He said the NPA would seek the extradition of two more suspects from Namibia. According to the Independent Online, the alleged mastermind behind the heist, David, was denied bail in December as the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court ruled that he could evade just if released.
JOSEPH SIBLINGS WERE RELEASED ON BAIL IN NOVEMBER 2023
The Joseph siblings were released on bail in November. The State did not oppose bail for the duo, and it was set at R5,000 for Froliana and R10,000 for Ndilinasho.
“We will request extradition from Namibia in order to get two more suspects,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
