Phala Phala theft: State to apply for trial within trial

The state prosecutor in the Phala Phala burglary matter has made an application for a trial within a trial after one of his witnesses withdrew a police statement they previously signed.

The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court on Wednesday that he is illiterate.

The witness said he is an old friend of the three accused and charged with breaking and entering into President Cyril Ramaphosa's farm and making off with $580,000 in cash.

The trio is appearing at the Modimolle Regional court in Limpopo.

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During his testimony, the witness said that when police arrived at his home in February 2020, they came with a prepared statement which he reluctantly signed.

The witness says he doesn't know the contents of what he signed because he cannot read or write.

State prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai has denied the witness's version of events.

"In that regard, your worship, the state would like to request the court to direct that a trial within a trial be held so that the state can lead evidence to prove the statement was made by the witness."

A ruling on the trial within a trial application will be handed down on Thursday.