Diamonds, Rolexes, and real estate: Witnesses detail Phala Phala suspect’s alleged spending spree

The Modimolle Regional Court has heard how the alleged mastermind behind the Phala Phala burglary reportedly spent his stolen loot on diamonds, a Rolex watch, and real estate.
Several witnesses testified on Friday regarding their business engagements with the first accused, Imanuwela David.

David—along with siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph—faces charges of breaking and entering into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm and stealing $580,000 in cash.

A Cape Town-based jeweller testified today that he charged David R70,000 to have authentic diamonds attached to his Rolex watch. The jeweller, who cannot be named due to a standing court order protecting the identity of witnesses, stated that David provided both the watch and the diamonds himself.

According to the witness, the pair took photos and videos together following the transaction.

“I have a huge following on Instagram, so every client [who] asks me to do a job, we shoot content, we show off, and sometimes they flaunt cash and stuff like that,” the jeweller told the court.

Another witness, a conveyancer, testified that she handled the purchase and subsequent sale of a property in Rustenburg on David’s behalf. She informed the court that the property cost nearly R1 million and was paid for in cash via a transfer to her firm’s trust account.

The matter has been adjourned to next Wednesday, when the state is expected to call further witnesses.

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