Another Namibian linked to Phala Phala burglary wanted in SA

The South African police’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, are looking for Namibian national Simon Hidjapo in connection with a burglary which took place at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in 2020.

This was revealed by investigating officer Ludi Schnelle from the Hawks on Friday when he was testifying in the bail hearing of Namibian-born Imanuwela David, who is accused of being the mastermind behind the Phala Phala burglary and theft.

David, Erkki Shikongo, Petrus Afrikaner, Petrus Muhekeni and Urbanus Shaumbwako are accused of breaking into Ramaphosa’s farmhouse and stealing about N$10 million which was hidden in a couch.

The robbery took place in February 2020.

David and his two siblings, Ndilinasho and Frolian, were arrested last month. David’s siblings were granted bail in an amount of N$5 000 and N$10 000, respectively.

In his affidavit, Schnelle said the Hawks are looking for Hidjapo, who has been living in South Africa without the appropriate documents for years.

He said police investigations have revealed that Hidjapo has utilised other known individuals’ banking details to transact while in South Africa.

Hidjapo has been leaving South Africa through ungazetted routes willy-nilly without consequences, he said.

The police said Hidjapo is David’s friend.

A relative of Hidjapo earlier this year told The Namibian that Hidjapo started a mini-market at his uncle’s village in Angola, and has acquired a fancy car.

Schnelle requested the court that David be denied bail, as he may tamper with or manipulate evidence the state has not obtained yet.

“There is a likelihood that the applicant, if released, would attempt to influence witnesses to conceal or destroy evidence.

“I am of the opinion that there is now a likelihood that the applicant will make every effort to hide the proceeds of crime, as is the case currently, where he has used his relatives to hide the proceeds of crime,” he said.

“These crimes are prevalent and the release of the applicant may undermine the public confidence in the criminal justice system.”

David will try to evade his trial, Schnelle said.

“He may run away like he did in June 2020 when he was arrested in Namibia. The applicant’s residential address is still a mystery, and the applicant does not intend to provide the same to the state.

“This means he does not intend to attend trial, and can abscond by leaving South Africa without trace. Granting the applicant bail would not be in the interest of justice.

“I request the honourable court to deny the applicant bail in this matter.”

David is also accused of transferring a property valued at N$1 million in Rustenburg to Namibian national Hafeni Felish.

Schnelle said David paid a car dealership US$30 000 in cash on the day of the robbery.

“He then purchased high-value vehicles using United States dollars,” he added.

The Mercury reported last week that before the arrest, the police had also established that David is also known as ‘Collins’ or ‘Atileni’.

David, giving evidence in the bail application, testified that he had no other assets besides a shack and two dogs.