The political landscape has become increasingly charged following the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) recent decision not to pursue charges in the Phala Phala scandal involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.
IOL reported that the NPA decided not to prosecute Ramaphosa or any other suspects implicated in the controversial Phala Phala case.
In a statement by Limpopo’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), advocate Mukhali Ivy Thenga, stated that the NPA would no longer pursue the case after what it described as a “comprehensive investigation” by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The Phala Phala scandal, where approximately $4 million in undeclared foreign currency was allegedly stolen from Ramaphosa's private game farm, has raised numerous questions about legality and governance.
In an Interview on Newzroom Afrika, the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said it’s leading the charge for accountability, and announced plans for a private prosecution against the president.
MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela expressed concerns regarding the NPA's handling of the investigation, stating, “We find it odd and extremely concerning that the NPA hasn't taken into consideration the glaring evidence that is out there.”
The MKP has called for a thorough review of the events surrounding the incident, including the circumstances of the alleged robbery and the involvement of Sars (South African Revenue Service) in the declaration of funds.
“We need clarity on the date of entry, the customs declarations made during Covid, and the identities of officials involved,” Ndhlela added.
The party emphasised the need for affidavits from key figures, including the Governor of the Reserve Bank and the Sars commissioner, to clarify the legality of the transactions.
“We can’t allow this. There is glaring evidence suggesting a cover-up,” Ndlela said, pointing to allegations of manipulation within the Sars system.
“We need to know why a transaction facilitated in dollars was allowed, given that you can’t transact in dollars in this country,” he said.
Ndlela further emphasised that, under Section 89 of the Constitution, the president is prohibited from conducting business, noting that Ramaphosa himself admitted to being involved in the transactions.
He questioned the circumstances of how cash was stored in couches and mattresses, adding, “These are the things we need to ask ourselves”.
Moreover, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced its concern regarding the NPA's decision.
Glynnis Breytenbach, DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, stated, “This decision, taken after a so-called 'comprehensive investigation,' fails to meet the expectations of transparency and accountability owed to the South African public.”
The DA plans to urgently write to the National Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Shamila Batohi, demanding a review of the decision.
“The Phala Phala scandal is too important to simply disappear without thorough scrutiny.’’
They argue that critical evidence, including CCTV footage and mobile phone records, supports the case for prosecution.
Similarly, Build One South Africa (Bosa) has expressed surprise at the NPA's decision. Acting spokesperson Roger Solomons said, “Such a bold decision requires absolute transparency.
‘’We will write to the NDPP requesting the full record of the decision in this matter.”
Solomons also noted that Bosa has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, and emphasised the need for swift action against those abusing their positions for personal gain.
“We will continue to push for greater urgency in apprehending and charging those who abuse their position for personal gain.”
IOL Politics