The Phala Phala Trial has gripped South Africa as new details surface about the theft of $580,000 at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm. In court this week, the first witness revealed why the money was hidden inside a couch at Ramaphosa’s private residence.
- Background of the Phala Phala Case
- Accused Plead Not Guilty
- Witness Explains Cash Hidden in Ramaphosa’s Couch
- Why the Money Was Stashed in Furniture
- Discovery of the Burglary
- Immediate Response from Ramaphosa
- Court Dispute Over Witness Protection
- Watch the Trial
- The State’s Case Against the Accused
- Political and Legal Implications
- What Happens Next
This shocking testimony sheds light on a burglary that continues to spark political and legal controversy.
Background of the Phala Phala Case
The case dates back to February 2020, when thieves allegedly stole foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
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According to reports, Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa paid $580,000 (about R10 million) in cash for 20 buffaloes. The burglary only became public in June 2022, after former spy boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges.
Accused Plead Not Guilty
Three people are on trial: Imanuwela David, the alleged mastermind, and siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit housebreaking, theft, and money laundering. All three pleaded not guilty at the Modimolle Regional Court.
Witness Explains Cash Hidden in Ramaphosa’s Couch
The first witness, a former lodge manager, detailed how he received the payment from Mustafa on 25 December 2019.
He initially locked the money in a safe but later moved it into Ramaphosa’s house. His reason was simple: too many staff members had access to the safe.
“I then took the money to the house of Mr Ramaphosa, thinking that the money would be safe because it is the house of the president and the whole house has cameras.” — Former lodge manager, testimony in court
Why the Money Was Stashed in Furniture
The witness testified that he hid the cash in a rarely used bedroom. He placed the money under a sofa after removing the cushions.
He explained that the room was seldom occupied, except during family gatherings. This, in his view, made it the safest hiding spot on the farm.
Discovery of the Burglary
On 10 February 2020, a housekeeper noticed broken windows and an open sliding door. She also found that sofa cushions had been disturbed.
When the lodge manager inspected the room, the cash was gone. He also noticed that some security cameras had been tampered with
Immediate Response from Ramaphosa
The manager phoned President Ramaphosa, who was overseas at the time. Ramaphosa allegedly instructed him to report the matter to his head of bodyguards, Major-General Wally Rhoode.
This response, bypassing the ordinary police process, has been a point of criticism throughout the investigation.
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Court Dispute Over Witness Protection
During proceedings, state prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai asked that witnesses remain anonymous for safety reasons.
He argued:
“If the identities of witnesses are revealed, it may increase the likelihood of future witnesses adjusting their evidence.”
The defence disagreed, but the magistrate ruled in favour of protecting witness identities.
Watch the Trial
The State’s Case Against the Accused
The state intends to call more than 20 witnesses during the trial. Evidence will include:
- Cellphone records linking the accused
- Financial analysis showing David’s sudden increase in income
- Testimonies from staff and investigators
Political and Legal Implications
The Phala Phala Trial raises significant questions about governance, accountability, and transparency.
While Ramaphosa insists the money came from legitimate animal sales, opposition parties have seized on the scandal to question his integrity.
The South African Reserve Bank previously cleared him of violating exchange control laws, but critics remain unconvinced.
What Happens Next
The trial has been postponed to 17 September 2025 for further witness testimony. It is expected to run across several weeks.
The outcome will not only determine the fate of the accused but also influence the public’s trust in Ramaphosa’s leadership.
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The Phala Phala Trial continues to dominate headlines. The latest testimony, where a witness explains cash hidden in Ramaphosa’s couch, provides crucial insight into how $580,000 was concealed and later stolen.
As the state prepares to present more evidence, South Africans watch closely to see whether justice will be served, and whether the scandal will leave lasting scars on the presidency.
