Cape Town – The 36-year-old housekeeper who had been working at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Bela for 10 years, told the court on Wednesday that she was unaware of the stolen $580 000 hidden in the sofa.
According to SABC News, she was cross-examined by Advocate Koena Matlala after she testified against the three people who allegedly broke into the farm and stole more than R10 000 000.
She is one of the 20 witnesses who were called up by the state to bring forth evidence linking the crime to the three accused, after they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
This was the dialogue between advocate Matlala and the state witness on the second day of the trial.
Advocate Matlala questioned the housekeeper, if she was aware of the money stolen from the farm.
“After Mr Sylvester checked and went back to the house, did you get information that money was stolen from the farm”? he asked.
She affirmed that she was unaware of the money being stolen or anything relating to money.
“Witness: After Mr Syvester was through with his checking, I did not hear anything that there was any money, and again that they stole”, said the housekeeper.
According to EWN, the housekeeper said that workers were not permitted to enter the main room, where the stolen money was kept.
She was questioned about Froliana, the second accused, who had been hired as a temporary cleaner on the farm.
“I know her very well but when I am at the farm to go clean up at the main house, I do not go with them (temporary cleaners) but I don’t know when I am not at the farm what happens”, said the housekeeper.
She wrapped up her testimony and now the state is preparing to bring a third witness to the trial.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@Knick_RSA
Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
