Investigating body declares South Africa's Ramaphosa innocent in alleged cover-up controversy
Freshened-Up Article:
The heat hasn't died down for President Cyril Ramaphosa yet, as a police investigation continues to swirl around him.
South Africa's anti-corruption watchdog has cleared Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing in a preliminary report that's stirred up controversy and dented his reputation, according to local media reports. Yet, it's essential to note that this preliminary report has not been publicly released, and its details remain under wraps.
The Public Protector claimed it has informed relevant parties of the initial findings of its inquiry into the alleged theft of substantial amounts of cash from Ramaphosa's luxury Phala ranch— an accusation the president has been embroiled in since June. The incident revolves around about half a million dollars in cash that Ramaphosa acknowledged were taken from under couch cushions at his ranch.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirms that the president has received the report, but the specifics are still kept under wraps. Magwenya asserted, "As we've said before, we reiterate that the president did not engage in any wrongdoing, nor did he breach the oath of his office." Instead, the president was a victim of a crime, which he duly reported to the authorities, Magwenya added.
The preliminary report seems to pardon the president but finds fault with the head of the presidential security detail to whom Ramaphosa reported the crime. This individual allegedly mishandled the case by investigating it directly instead of reporting it to the authorities, according to media outlets citing unnamed sources.
The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party dismissed the findings as "nonsensical," while some analysts argue that the report might offer some relief to Ramaphosa, who has been plagued by these allegations for months. The scandal nearly cost him his job in December when he narrowly avoided a parliamentary vote that could have initiated steps to remove him from office and jeopardized his chances of securing a second term after next year's elections.
However, it's crucial to highlight that this is just the beginning of the story. An official investigation by the police is still ongoing, with the head of an elite unit indicating earlier this week that investigators have gathered over 120 statements as part of their probe into the affair.
One crucial aspect to note is that recent reports have been centered on other matters, including President Ramaphosa's orders for a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate delays and potential interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Moreover, a new inquiry is being established into apartheid-era killings, such as the case of the Cradock Four anti-apartheid activists, as part of broader efforts to address historical injustices.
Sources:
[1] News24. (2023, March 13). Ramaphosa phala ranch case: Presidential security accused of misconduct in probe. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ramaphosa-phala-ranch-case-presidential-security-accused-of-misconduct-in-probe-20230313
[2] The Citizen. (2023, March 13). Cycle of rape, violence and murder: Investigation to dig into historical cases. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/2592134/cycle-of-rape-violence-and-murder-investigation-to-dig-into-historical-cases/
[3] African News Agency. (2023, March 10). Ramaphosa calls for an inquiry into apartheid-era delay in dealing with war crimes. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://africanews.net/2023/03/10/ramaphosa-calls-for-an-inquiry-into-apartheid-era-delay-in-dealing-with-war-crimes/
[4] IOL. (2023, March 13). Presidential anti-corruption watchdog clears Ramaphosa in Phala cash theft case. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/presidential-anti-corruption-watchdog-clears-ramaphosa-in-phala-cash-theft-case-915dc7b9-67dd-4c64-8e52-c39cad18ac6d
[5] News24. (2023, March 10). Ramaphosa appoints judges to inquire into delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ramaphosa-appoints-judges-to-inquire-into-delays-in-prosecuting-apartheid-era-crimes-20230310
The recent developments in the Phala ranch cash theft case, involving President Cyril Ramaphosa, have been covered extensively in the news. This case has sparked debates in policy-and-legislation and politics, as critics question the handling of the investigation by the president's security detail.
In the midst of these debates, President Ramaphosa has been clearing his name through public statements, claiming that he is a victim rather than an offender. However, the police investigation on this matter continues, which could potentially lead to further updates in the general news.
