South African Court Convicts Man of Stealing Over $500,000 from President Ramaphosa’s Farm

A South African court convicted a man of stealing more than $500,000 (£372,822) from a farm owned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a case that has entangled the head of state in a political controversy.

Imanuwela David was convicted on Monday of theft and conspiracy to break into the Phala Phala farm in Limpopo province with the intent to steal in 2020.

Froliana Joseph, a cleaner at the property, was likewise convicted of conspiracy to break into the farm with the intent to steal.

Her brother, Ndilinasho Joseph, was acquitted of all charges.

David entered the cattle farm in February 2020, allegedly breaking in, and removed $580,000 in cash from a sofa. He subsequently lavished the stolen funds on luxury items, purchasing three Mercedes (including one for his girlfriend), a Porsche, two Volkswagen vehicles, diamond‑set Rolex watches, and a house.

David claimed in court that the money came from diamond and Bitcoin ventures, assertions the court dismissed. The court determined that David, of the two convicted individuals, was the only one who had deposited any of the stolen cash into his bank account.

Sentencing is scheduled for 13 November.

The case, dubbed the “Farmgate” scandal, has featured numerous twists and turns.

The theft remained hidden until 2022, when former intelligence chief Arthur Fraser—a former ally of ex‑President Jacob Zuma—alleged that President Ramaphosa concealed the incident from police and tax authorities.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the theft occurred but denied any impropriety.

An independent panel later that year concluded that Ramaphosa might have questions to answer regarding the burglary. MPs voted against launching an impeachment inquiry.

In May of this year, the Constitutional Court held that Parliament had acted unlawfully by discarding the panel’s report. In July, Ramaphosa obtained a provincial court ruling to block the parliamentary inquiry.

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