Modimolle – Imanuwela David, convicted in connection with the theft of US$580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm, has asked the Modimolle Regional Court for leniency, saying he could raise R500,000 if ordered to pay a fine.
David made the appeal during pre-sentencing proceedings on Friday, 13 November, as he prepared to learn his fate after being found guilty of several offences linked to the February 2020 break-in.
According to IOL, he was asked by his advocate, Koena Matlala, how he felt about the impending sentence, David said the case had taken an emotional, mental and physical toll on him.
“I am very afraid, but emotionally, I am very happy. Mentally and physically, I am also affected. However, I have come to accept whatever the court’s decision will be, and let it be the way it is,” he told the court.
Despite his conviction, David continued to deny involvement in the offences, saying he did not want to comment further because it could appear that he was trying to defend himself.
Two people who have been convicted of theft of thousands of foreign currency at the PhalaPhala game farm in Bela Bela, Limpopo, will be sentenced this morning by the Modimolle regional court. The mastermind, Imanuwela David and a former domestic worker at the farm, Froliana Joseph, have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit house breaking with intent to steal, house breaking and money laundering. Froliana is guilty of conspiracy to commit house breaking and house breaking. They stole 580-thousand US dollars at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in February 2020.
Credit: Rendani Raliphaswa
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 13, 2026
“I have always been saying that I have no idea and I don’t know anything concerning these issues. Therefore, if I comment now or say something, it will look as if I am defending myself,” he said.
David cites four children in plea for leniency
David told the court he had four children and asked the magistrate to consider his responsibilities as a father when deciding on his sentence.
He said he had been unemployed when he was arrested and had spent three years in custody.
He also expressed hope that the court would consider a lesser sentence.
“I am pleased that the court can be lenient in terms of the judgment they will pass on me. As a dedicated caregiver, I think they will be lenient enough to give me a lesser sentence,” he said.
When asked whether he could afford a R1 million fine, David said he could raise R500,000.
He explained that he would need to make phone calls and consult other people to secure the money, despite not having a job.
HAPPENING NOW 🚨
PHALA PHALA FARM THEFT: TWO CONVICTS FACE SENTENCING
Sentencing proceedings are underway at the Modimolle Regional Court for Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph, who were convicted in connection with the theft of US$580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Bela-Bela, Limpopo.
The money was stolen from a sofa inside the president’s residence in February 2020. David, described as the mastermind behind the theft, and Joseph, a former domestic worker at the farm, were linked to the crime through cellphone records and other circumstantial evidence.
David was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, housebreaking, theft and money laundering, while Joseph was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.
The court also heard how David acquired several luxury vehicles, expensive watches and a property in Rustenburg after the theft. His explanations for his wealth were rejected by the magistrate.
Froliana’s brother, Ndilinasho Joseph, who was also charged in the matter, was acquitted of all charges.
The court is now hearing submissions ahead of sentencing.
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) November 13, 2026
Froliana Joseph’s sentencing postponed
Former Phala Phala worker Froliana Joseph, who was also convicted in the case, appeared in court for pre-sentencing proceedings.
Her lawyer, advocate Relleng Masipa, requested a correctional supervision report and asked for the matter to be postponed.
State advocate Nkhetheni Munyai did not oppose the application.
Regional magistrate Peter Manthata granted the request, and the matter was postponed to 24 November for further sentencing proceedings.
David was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, housebreaking with intent to steal, theft and money laundering. Joseph was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.
What happened at Phala Phala?
The case relates to the theft of US$580,000 in cash from Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm in February 2020. The money had reportedly been hidden inside a sofa at the president’s residence.
According to TimesLIVE’s report on the convictions, the court considered David’s purchases of luxury vehicles and other expensive assets after the theft as part of the circumstantial evidence against him.
The magistrate rejected David’s explanations that his wealth came from business dealings, delivering mercury, a friendship with a diamond dealer and Bitcoin trading.
Daily Maverick reported that the prosecution’s case relied largely on circumstantial evidence, with the court considering financial records and communication between the accused.
The third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph, Froliana’s brother, was acquitted of all charges.
The theft became public in 2022 after former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges relating to the incident. Ramaphosa has maintained that the foreign currency was payment for the sale of buffaloes.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
