Court rejects bid by Phala Phala accused to have charges dropped

The Modimolle Regional Court has rejected an application by the alleged Phala Phala burglars to have the charges against them dropped.

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

In March, the three accused filed a Section 174 discharge application, following the State resting its case.

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They argued that the State had failed to prove its case against them and its evidence was circumstantial.

However, Magistrate Peter Manthata disagreed.

“Considering the principles laid down in the above cases, I find that accused 2 and 3 also have a case to answer. Consequently, the application by accused 1, 2 and 3 for discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 is dismissed.”