Phala Phala independent investigating panel will get to work on Wednesday

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s independent investigation panel has until 18 November to finish its investigation and submit a report to parliament regarding the Phala Phala charges.

On Monday night, the Parliament declared that “the 30-day period during which the panel must report in accordance with [the rules] begins on October 19.”

Former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, Judge Thokozile Masipa, and Advocate Mahlape Sello were all named by Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to the panel that would conduct a preliminary evaluation of the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) move against Ramaphosa.

ATM leader Vuyo Zungula tabled a resolution asking the Assembly to launch an investigation into Ramaphosa’s dismissal due to significant misbehaviour and constitutional or legal violations.

Zungula alleged Ramaphosa was guilty of violating the constitution, which provides that cabinet members and deputy ministers may not undertake other paid work, and publicly stated: “I’m a farmer, I am in the cattle business and the game business … I buy and I sell animals … This that is being reported was a clear business transaction of selling animals.”

Ramaphosa’s testimony proved he was still operating his farming company and deceived the public when he said all of his economic interests would be controlled by a blind person in 2014, upon taking office as deputy president.

Ramaphosa had violated the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, according to Zungula.

As required by the laws, he neglected to notify “any police officer” of the theft on his farm.

According to the South African Police Service Amendment Act, it is not appropriate to report the incident to Gen. Wally Rhoode, a member of the presidential protection unit. The absence of a case number served as evidence that the reporting process was improper and illegal.
The Phala Phala property was not the place for Rhoode to be looking into anything, “as unlawfully commanded by the president.”

Additionally, Zungula said Ramaphosa handed Rhoode an illegal order to look into the break-in at his private farm.

Also read: Cyril Ramaphosa gets another case opened against him