Phala Phala: Man who unwittingly transported accused allegedly paid $30k

Polokwane
Thabiso Goba

Thabiso Goba

18 September 2025 | 7:11

The driver, who cannot be named, testified in court on Wednesday that he drove accused number one, Imanuwela David, and two of his accomplices from Limpopo to Gauteng a day after the robbery.

Phala Phala: Man who unwittingly transported accused allegedly paid $30k

Imanuwela David, along with siblings Floriana and Ndilinasho Joseph, are accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm in February 2020 and stealing $580,000 in cash. Picture : Thabiso Goba/EWN

A man who unwittingly transported the people who robbed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm was allegedly paid $30,000 in cash.

The driver, who cannot be named, testified in court on Wednesday that he drove accused number one, Imanuwela David, and two of his accomplices from Limpopo to Gauteng a day after the robbery.

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David, along with sibling Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph, are accused of breaking and entering into the farm and making off with $580,000 in cash.

The trio appeared before the Modimolle Regional Court on Wednesday for their trial.

The driver testified in court that he was paid R7,000 after dropping off David and his two friends at a car dealership in Gauteng.

However, the State prosecutor contradicted his own witness, saying this was not true.

The prosecutor, Nkhetheni Munyai, said a signed statement by the driver said he was paid $30,000 in cash.

In his statement, the driver said he exchanged $10,000 for R145,000 with an owner of a car dealership in Benoni that he was introduced to by David.

A few months later, the driver did a similar exchange with the owner.

It’s understood the last $10,000 was seized by the police in a sting operation to entrap the driver.

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