The trio is accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo game farm in February 2020.Image-File.
JUST IN: Phala phala theft mastermind David denied bail
The mastermind behind the break-in and theft at the Phala Phala game farm Imanuwela David has been denied bail.
The trio is accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo game farm in February 2020.Image-File.
Imanuwela David, the suspect believed to be the mastermind behind the allegd break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm has been denied bail.
David appeared before the Bela Bela Magistrates Court on Friday, 8 December.
PHALA PHALA GAME FARM SUSPECT DENIED BAIL
As previously reported by The South African, two suspects aged Froliana Joseph, and Imanuwela David 30 and 39 were arrested on Sunday, 5 November 2023 and Monday, 6 November 2023 respectively on charges of house breaking and theft.
Delivering the judgement, the Magistrate said David misled the court on a number of issues especially his movabe, immovable assets as well as his adress.
“There is a strong possibility thatshould accused 1 be released on bail may tamper or interfere with the investigation or the State witnesses or destroy or steal the evidence against him,” she said.
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BACKGROUND: HOW WE GOT HERE
In June 2022, former spy boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa, claiming that he concealed the theft of R62 million that had been kept on his farm in Phala Phala, Limpopo two years before.
He also alleged that the suspects were kidnapped and interrogated, before being offered money for their silence. Ramaphosa subsequently admitted there was a robbery on his property, but denied being criminally liable and says the monies stolen were proceeds from the sale of cattle on his farm.
As previously reported, Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa confirmed that he purchased the animals in cash over the festive period in 2019. He told Sky News that he was in Limpopo to celebrate Christmas and his wife’s birthday and brought the cash through the airport because “$580 000 is nothing for a businessman like [him].”
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