New interpreter takes over in Phala Phala trial

A new Oshiwambo court interpreter has been secured for the Phala Phala trial, following repeated complaints over the capabilities of the previous one.

Oshiwambo is a Namibian language and the mother tongue of all the accused persons in the trial.

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Imanuwela David and siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph are charged with breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm and stealing $580,000 in cash.

The language is also spoken by a State witness who claims he was coerced by police into signing an affidavit he did not dictate.

A trial within a trial is currently underway at the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo to determine whether his affidavit can be submitted as evidence.

Speaking through the interpreter, the witness said he cannot read or write, so he does not know what is contained in the affidavit he signed.

"The police who wrote my statement, I never gave him the statement. He only came to me to tell me I must sign this statement and I must agree to sign this statement and if I don’t sign this statement, he will destroy my life."