By Johnathan Paoli
The long-awaited trial of three suspects accused in the controversial burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm is set to begin on Monday in the Bela-Bela Regional Court, with proceedings expected to run for three weeks.
In response, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has renewed calls for transparency, with party leader Vuyo Zungula accusing the ANC of engaging in “systematic cover-ups” to shield Ramaphosa and his allies.
“A police officer who conducted an illegal investigation and used state resources to unlawfully investigate theft of undeclared dollars in the President’s farm has been cleared of any wrongdoing,” Zungula said.
“It is clear, the ANC will stop at nothing to cover up their wrongdoing.”
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed last week that Rhoode was found not guilty at a disciplinary hearing, but opposition parties argue the outcome undermines public trust in the police and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
The trial proceedings, meanwhile is expected to run for three weeks, shining a spotlight once again on a saga that has haunted South Africa’s political landscape since 2020.
The burglary occurred on 9 February 2020 at Ramaphosa’s 3,500-hectare game farm in Limpopo.
The secluded property, used both as a wildlife conservation site and presidential retreat, was breached by intruders who discovered a large stash of US dollars hidden in a sofa.
The thieves made off with an estimated $580,000 (about R10.4 million at the time).
Although the incident was initially contained at the farm level, it exploded into national controversy two years later when former intelligence boss Arthur Fraser lodged a complaint with police.
Fraser accused Ramaphosa of money laundering, cover-ups, and abuse of state resources, alleging that the stolen funds were never properly declared and may have come from illicit transactions with foreign businessmen.
Ramaphosa denied wrongdoing, insisting the cash came from a buffalo sale and that he had belatedly reported the theft.
Nevertheless, the revelations ignited a political firestorm, sparking investigations by the Public Protector, parliament, and the police.
While the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) eventually cleared Ramaphosa of criminal misconduct in 2024, the scandal, dubbed Farmgate, significantly damaged the president’s reputation and the ANC’s standing ahead of the 2024 elections.
Three Namibian nationals will finally face trial.
Imanuwela David (39), alleged mastermind of the burglary, is accused of orchestrating the break-in and driving the getaway vehicle.
David, who once worked as a mechanic, was arrested after fleeing to Namibia. He reportedly has a history of petty crime across the border.
Ndilinasho Joseph (35), accused of entering the farm during the break-in, was arrested in 2022 following extensive tracing of phone calls and bank transactions.
Froliana Joseph (32), Ndilinasho’s sister, is accused of helping launder the stolen cash through informal channels. Her advanced pregnancy earlier this year caused the latest postponement of the trial.
All three face charges of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, two counts of housebreaking with intent to steal, and theft.
They have pleaded not guilty, claiming they were coerced or framed, and argue that the state’s evidence is largely circumstantial.
The state, led by advocate Lawrence Gcaba, intends to call over 20 witnesses, including farm staff, police investigators, and forensic experts.
Evidence is expected to include DNA samples, vehicle registration details, and recovered banknotes allegedly linked to the burglary.
Defence lawyers, however, will challenge the credibility of the investigation, raising questions about the chain of custody of evidence and the fact that much of the stolen cash has never been recovered.
Magistrate Frans Kgomo will preside, with proceedings open to the public under strict security measures.
If convicted, the accused face sentences of up to 15 years each.
INSIDE POLITICS