Defence argues Phala Phala case rests on circumstantial evidence

Lawyers for three accused in the theft from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm say prosecutors failed to produce direct evidence after 13 months of trial.

The defence closed its case in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Sunday, maintaining that the State’s evidence consists only of cellphone records, financial transactions and witness testimony.

Koena Matlala, representing accused Imanuwela David, told the court the prosecution had not placed any of the three accused inside the Limpopo farm or linked them directly to the stolen dollars.

Two transport witnesses altered their accounts in court, prompting the State to seek hostile-witness declarations, while the National Prosecuting Authority maintained that the combined evidence shows coordination among the accused before and after the February 2020 burglary.

Written arguments are due from the prosecution by 3 July, with oral hearings scheduled for August.

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South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled today that parliament must establish an impeachment committee to examine allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm theft.

South African police officials told Parliament on 10 June 2026 that insufficient evidence prevented misconduct findings in the 2020 Phala Phala farm theft case.

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The Western Cape High Court on Wednesday heard arguments over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent application to stop parliamentary impeachment proceedings related to the Phala Phala matter.

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