Will Ramaphosa testify in Phala Phala trial? NPA clears the air

At least 22 witnesses are lined up to testify in the Phala Phala trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says.

Imanuwela David, Ndilinasho Joseph and Froliana Joseph appeared in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in February 2020.

They are accused of breaking in and stealing $580 000 (about R10.4 million).

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On Monday, Magistrate Peter Manthata granted a postponement of the matter to 15 September, 2025 due to Froliana Joseph’s pregnancy.

NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the 22 witnesses lined up for the trial showed that the state had a strong case against the three.

However, the president will not be among the witnesses.

“We can get someone from the farm. It could be a manager or administrator to be part of the trial, not the president,” Malabi-Dzhangi told the SABC.

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She added that the NPA had filed an extradition request with the Namibian government for two more suspects. She said the trial against the three would continue while the state attempts to extradite the other two.

Phala Phala spotlight

The theft at Ramaphosa’s farm was brought to light by former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser after reporting the matter to the police in June 2022.

Fraser accused Ramaphosa of kidnapping and money laundering, triggering investigations into the president.

In November 2022, an independent panel appointed by then-National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula found that there was “prima facie” evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated sections 96(2)(a) of the constitution and 34(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act with the aim of keeping the investigation of the theft private.

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In March 2023, members of parliament voted against a DA motion to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the theft at the farm.

Since then, the NPA has decided not to pursue prosecution against Ramaphosa, while the Public Protector, the South African Revenue Service and the South African Reserve Bank have cleared him of wrongdoing.

Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing in the farm matter.

“I have endeavoured, throughout my tenure as president, not only to abide by my oath but to set an example of respect for the constitution, for its institutions, for due process and the law.

“I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me,” he previously said in a statement.

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