A dramatic turn unfolded in the Phala Phala farm robbery trial on Wednesday when a key state witness insisted the statement presented in court was not his, forcing the Modimolle Regional Court to declare him a hostile witness.
The man, who allegedly transported suspects linked to the 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm, told the court he only received R7,000 for his role — contradicting his signed police statement, which claimed he had been paid US$30,000 in cash.
Pressed on the inconsistency, the witness said he was intimidated and “scared” when giving his statement to investigators.
“This is not my statement,” the witness, who cannot be named due to a court order, told the court.
State prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai applied for the court to declare the witness hostile, arguing that his testimony deviated significantly from what was previously placed on record.
Defence lawyers objected, but Magistrate Peter Manthate ruled that the state could proceed under Section 190 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows cross-examination of a hostile witness.
According to NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, the trial against the three accused — Immanuwela David, siblings Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph — is proceeding with the evidence of this third witness. The matter is scheduled to continue until 8 October 2025, with the next court sitting on Friday.
The case stems from the dramatic February 2020 break-in at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, where suspects allegedly stole US $580,000 hidden in furniture. The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, two counts of housebreaking and theft, and money laundering (for David).
The witness’s denial of his own police statement has raised questions about witness intimidation and credibility in a case already under intense political and public scrutiny.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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