(Politics): President Ramaphosa Cleared in Preliminary Phala Phala Report

 

Acting Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing in the Phala Phala farm scandal, however, she’s made adverse findings against the police for their handling of the matter.

Gcaleka has found Ramaphosa did not contravene the Executive Ethics code, that’s the complaint that triggered the probe.

The complaints brought before the Chapter 9 Institution suggested the president undertook paid work while serving as the country’s head of state and that he exposed himself to situations where there was a conflict of interest between his private interest and national responsibilities.

Ramaphosa was also accused of failing to report the matter to the police and possibly abusing his power when he informed his security detail of the incident.

In a preliminary report, Gcaleka found there’s no proof the President was actively involved in the running of the farm.

The Public Protector has no jurisdiction to investigate a private sale between two individuals or entities. In the report, Gcaleka makes it clear the parameters of the law within which she was working.

Ramaphosa was accused of a cover-up regarding the burglary and theft of money from his Limpopo farm in 2020.

The acting public protector has made adverse findings against police officers for their handling of the matter.

The Public Protector’s office has been investigating this highly politicised matter since 2022.

Gcaleka’s preliminary report has been sent to complainants and Ramaphosa’s office before the final report is finalised.

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