The trial of three individuals accused of stealing over $580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in February 2020 is set to begin tomorrow at the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo. The case, which has drawn significant political and public interest, involves allegations of burglary, theft, and money laundering.

The three accused—Immanuela David and siblings Floriana and Ndilinasho Joseph—are alleged to have broken into Ramaphosa’s farm and stolen a large sum of money hidden inside a sofa. The theft initially went unreported but made headlines in June 2022 when former State Security Agency director Arthur Fraser filed criminal charges against Ramaphosa, accusing him of concealing the crime.

Fraser’s affidavit claimed that the president had attempted to obstruct justice by not reporting the theft and instead initiating a private investigation. These allegations led to multiple probes, including investigations by the Public Protector, the South African Reserve Bank, and a parliamentary panel. While the Public Protector cleared Ramaphosa of wrongdoing, the matter remains politically contentious.

The trial is expected to last three weeks, with the state presenting 23 witnesses, including the investigating officer who previously testified during bail hearings. Key details likely to emerge include:

The trial has been a focal point for political tensions, with figures like ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba previously attending court sessions. Observers expect a packed courtroom as the trial unfolds, given its implications for Ramaphosa’s presidency and South Africa’s political landscape.

As proceedings begin, the nation awaits answers to lingering questions about the Phala Phala farm theft and its aftermath.