Phala Phala theft case continues smoothly as accused return to Modimolle court

Proceedings in the Phala Phala farm theft case continued without disruption on Monday as the three accused appeared in the Modimolle Regional Court. The matter relates to the February 2020 break-in at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm, during which large sums of foreign currency were allegedly stolen.

The accused, previously identified in earlier court sessions, face charges ranging from housebreaking to theft. One of the individuals, a former employee at the farm, is suspected of having provided access to the house where the money was hidden.

The case has already seen extensive testimony, including claims that the cash had been concealed in a sofa inside the main residence. This has led to contested statements and earlier delays as the court considered a trial-within-a-trial to determine the admissibility of certain evidence.

Monday’s appearance focused on administrative and outstanding procedural matters. Both the State and defence reviewed pending documentation and flagged the next set of witnesses expected to take the stand.

Despite the political interest surrounding the case, Monday’s session unfolded smoothly, signalling stability in the ongoing process. Legal analysts note that the Phala Phala matter remains one of the most closely watched cases in the country, both for its implications and for how it reflects on the justice system’s handling of high-profile investigations.

The trial will resume on its next scheduled date, with the court expected to continue hearing witness testimony as it moves toward a conclusion.