The third state witness in the Phala Phala farm case told the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo that he made the first statement to the police under duress.

The witness has disregarded his initial oral statement taken by police.

He allegedly transported accused number one, Immanuela David and two unknown people from Bela Bela to Johannesburg.

He maintained that he was paid R7 000, not the 30 000 US dollars stated in his initial statement.

David and siblings Floriana and Ndilinasho Joseph allegedly broke into the farm and stole over 580 000 US dollars that had been hidden in a sofa.

The witness said he was scared when gave the statement.

“That is correct I’m the one who made the statement. When I made the statement, I was scared, I was afraid because different people came who indicated that they are looking for accused number one.”

Last month, all three accused pleaded not guilty to charges laid against them: