Two Convicted Over $580,000 Theft at South African President’s Farm

A South African court has convicted two people over the theft of approximately US$580,000 from Phala Phala, a private farm owned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, bringing a major development in a case that has attracted considerable political attention.

The Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo delivered its verdict on Monday, November 2, 2026, finding Imanuwela David guilty of charges including theft, housebreaking, conspiracy to commit housebreaking and money laundering.

His co-accused, Froliana Joseph, a former cleaner at the property, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal. Her brother, Ndilinasho Joseph, who was also standing trial, was acquitted of all charges.

The case relates to a burglary at Phala Phala farm in February 2020, when approximately US$580,000 in cash was stolen from a sofa on the property.

Inside the Farm at the Centre of South Africa’s Farmgate Scandal

Prosecutors alleged that David played a central role in the operation after Joseph discovered the money while working at the farm. The court relied on evidence presented during the trial, including financial transactions and communications between the accused.

David reportedly spent substantial amounts of money following the incident, purchasing several luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and Porsche cars, as well as expensive watches and a house. His explanation that the money came from legitimate business activities involving diamonds and Bitcoin was rejected by the court.

Court Delivers Verdict in $580,000 Farm Theft Case

The theft became a major national controversy in June 2022 after former intelligence chief Arthur Fraser publicly raised allegations that the burglary had not been properly reported to law enforcement.

The controversy, widely referred to as the Farmgate scandal, placed Ramaphosa under intense political pressure and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the cash stored at his property.

Ramaphosa has acknowledged that the theft occurred but has denied wrongdoing. He has maintained that the money originated from the sale of buffaloes and defended his conduct amid the controversy.

The court proceedings have now established criminal responsibility for two of the accused, although the broader political questions surrounding the incident have continued to generate debate in South Africa.

The matter has been postponed to November 13, 2026, for pre-sentencing proceedings.

The convictions mark a significant development in one of the most politically sensitive criminal cases associated with Ramaphosa’s presidency.