After two of the three accused remained silent about thefts at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm, a court must decide whether the state's evidence is enough to prove their involvement.
The trial of the alleged theft of at least $580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa's farm, Phala Phala, in Limpopo is nearing its end, with two of the three accused opting not to testify, potentially weakening the state's case against them.
The State alleges that the second accused, Floriana Joseph, who was employed as a farm cleaner, noticed the money hidden inside a sofa and alerted her brother, the third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph.
He allegedly informed the first accused, Emmanuella David, who the state has described as the mastermind behind the theft.
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When proceedings continued at the Modimolle Magistrates Court in Limpopo last week, the Joseph siblings were expected to testify about their version of events.
Daily Maverick understands that the State hoped they would turn on or implicate each other during cross-examination, thereby strengthening the State's case.
However, on Friday afternoon, the siblings' lawyer, Advocate Releng Masipa, informed the court that they had decided not to testify.
Although Masipa did not elaborate on the reasons, Daily Maverick understands that the defense believed the siblings had no case to answer.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said the state is confident…