Namibia: SA seeks extradition of two Phala Phala-linked locals

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eliaser Ndeyanale
Published on 2024-02-27 17:00:00

The South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is actively working to extradite two additional suspects in the Phala Phala farm theft case, with the belief that they are currently in Namibia. While the NPA spokesperson for Limpopo province, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, confirmed the pursuit of these suspects, she refrained from disclosing their names, genders, or nationalities, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigations.

Malabi-Dzhangi also noted that the extradition process for the two suspects from Namibia to South Africa has not yet commenced. Meanwhile, three suspects – Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph, and their younger brother David Ndilinasho – have already appeared in the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court. The court proceedings were adjourned to April 26 for further investigations, which involve seeking assistance from third parties like cell phone records and video footage.

The three siblings were apprehended in Bela Bela and Rustenburg last year. While Joseph and Ndilinasho were granted bail, they face charges of housebreaking and theft, with David facing an additional charge of money laundering. The trio has been linked to the theft of U$580,000 from South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in February 2020, alongside four Namibian nationals.

During Joseph’s court appearance, she maintained her innocence and expressed her intention to prove it during the trial. She cited weak evidence against her and emphasized her responsibilities towards caring for her ailing child. Joseph outlined her limited ties outside of South Africa and her lack of financial assets, asserting that she poses no threat to potential witnesses and has no history of interference.

Ndilinasho, her brother, echoed similar sentiments of having no relationships or assets beyond South Africa’s borders. He disclosed his academic background and shared his employment history, highlighting his lack of financial resources or assets of value. Both siblings provided detailed personal information to strengthen their bail application and defend their case in court.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the NPA’s efforts to bring the remaining suspects to justice continue. The pursuit of justice in the Phala Phala theft case underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold accountable those involved in criminal activities. With continued investigations and collaboration between South Africa and Namibia, the hope is to bring all suspects to face the consequences of their alleged actions.

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Read the original article on The Namibian