Phala Phala burglar: State witness could face sanctions over inconsistencies in testimony

A State witness in the Phala Phala burglary trial could find himself in hot water after testifying in court that the alleged robbers paid him R7,000, when records show the amount is closer to half a million rand.

The witness, who cannot be named, testified in court on Wednesday that he drove accused number one, Imanuwela David, and two of his friends from Limpopo to Gauteng, a day after they allegedly robbed the farm.

READ: Phala Phala: State witness claims he was threatened before making statement to police

David, along with siblings Floriana and Ndilinasho Joseph, is accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm and stealing $580,000 in cash. Wednesday was day two of the trial at the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo.

The driver testified that after driving Imanuwela David and his two friends to a car dealership in Johannesburg, they paid him R7,000. However, the State said there were discrepancies between his testimony on Wednesday and the police statement he gave earlier.

State prosecutor Nkhwtheni Munyai pointed out two major inconsistencies. First, the car dealership was in Benoni, not Johannesburg. Second, the driver’s statement claims he was paid $30,000, not R7,000.

Speaking through an interpreter, the driver said he acknowledged there were inconsistencies but disputes the prosecutor’s claim.

"I would say I agree. On the other hand, I dispute what you (the prosecutor) are saying because when the statement was made, I was afraid."

Munyai has invoked Section 189 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which can potentially see the driver sanctioned either by a fine or imprisonment.

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