Ester Mbathera
Imanuwela David, the only accused behind bars in the Phalaphala Game Farm housebreaking case in South Africa, is attempting to apply for bail again.
His lawyer, Keona Matlala, told the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo on Tuesday that his client needs to prepare for the case while free on bail.
“Looking at the amount of documents in the docket for our preparations, we need a client that is outside. Basically, we need to apply for bail so that he can be available for consultation anytime. The other thing is with him in prison the financial issue is the main concern,” said Matlala.
David and his co-accused siblings Floriana Joseph, who was a domestic worker at the Phala Phala farm, and Ndilinasho Joseph, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.
David faces additional charges of housebreaking with intent to steal and money laundering.
On 9 February 2020, they allegedly stole US$580 000 from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm.
Before setting the trial date, the court set a pretrial conference date to resolve administrative issues.
Magistrate Peter Manthaat postponed the matter to 26 November for a pre-trial conference.
On the same day, the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg will hear the EFF’s application that seeks to revive an impeachment inquiry into the president over the Palapala scandal.
He remanded David in custody while Floriana and Ndilinasho are out on extended bail.
The siblings were granted bail in November 2023.
The court set Froliana’s bail at R5 000 and her brother’s at R10 000.
Their stringent bail conditions include that they hand over their passports, and they may not leave the Bela-Bela area without informing the police.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi, who is representing the state, said President Ramaphosa is not involved in this matter.
“There are people working there, the managers and other administrative people, plus police officers,” she said.
