A high-profile trial has commenced in South Africa, involving three individuals charged with housebreaking and theft at a game farm owned by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The accused, Imanuwela David, Ndilinasho Joseph, and his sister Froliana Joseph, pleaded not guilty to the charges on the opening day of the trial. They are alleged to have stolen $580,000 in U.S. banknotes hidden in a couch at the farm in February 2020.

The case, dubbed “farmgate,” has sparked controversy and scrutiny surrounding President Ramaphosa, who was accused of tax evasion, money laundering, and breaching foreign currency laws. Although he was cleared of wrongdoing and survived an impeachment vote in Parliament, questions remain about why such a large amount of money was stored in a piece of furniture. Ramaphosa has stated that the money came from the legitimate sale of animals at his Phala Phala game and livestock farm, but has not explained why it was hidden in a couch.

The trial has been delayed several times, including to allow Froliana Joseph to give birth. Prosecutors expect the trial to run for three weeks, with 20 witnesses scheduled to testify, including staff members who worked at Ramaphosa’s farm. The defendants face charges of housebreaking, conspiracy to commit housebreaking, and theft, with David also facing money laundering charges.

The case came to light in June 2022, when former state security agency head Arthur Fraser filed a complaint against Ramaphosa, accusing him of hiding $4 million in the couch and using his personal police security detail to track down the thieves and bribe them to keep quiet. Ramaphosa and authorities disputed the amount, and Fraser claimed to have provided supporting evidence in the form of pictures, videos, and bank account information.

The trial is expected to be closely watched, as it may shed light on the president’s involvement in the affair. Ramaphosa was reelected for a second term last year, despite his party losing its 30-year majority and having to form a coalition government. The outcome of the trial may have significant implications for the president and his government, and will be closely monitored by the public and international community.