ConCourt to deliver Phala Phala judgment on Friday
The Constitutional Court will deliver its long-awaited judgment on the EFF’s bid to revive the Phala Phala matter on Friday, as pressure mounts on President Cyril Ramaphosa amid concerns about accountability over an alleged cover-up.
The apex court’s chief registrar Simoné-Lanique Tjamela confirmed the date yesterday afternoon, reports IoL.
The case has drawn significant public attention as it focuses on an incident that dates back to February 2020, when approximately $580 000 (about R8m at the time) was allegedly stolen from a sofa during a break-in at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.
The EFF approached the court to challenge Parliament’s December 2022 decision not to adopt a Section 89 panel report, which found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer.
The EFF has repeatedly criticised the judgment delay, saying that the time taken far exceeds the judiciary’s guideline that judgments should generally be delivered within three months, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The party has staged protests outside the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) report has alleged a cover-up related to the theft.
Ipid has recommended disciplinary action against two SAPS officers, including a senior member of the Presidential Protection Service, over their alleged roles in the incident.
Those implicated are Major-General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, and Constable HH Rekhoto.
The report found that both officers falsified travel documentation and misused state resources, according to IoL.
Ipid recommended disciplinary action under SAPS regulations, including charges related to failure to comply with legal obligations, conducting investigations outside official duties, mismanagement of state funds, falsification of records, and acting in an ‘improper, disgraceful and unacceptable manner’.
Corruption watchdogs and civil society organisations argue that accountability should extend beyond the implicated officers, saying it cannot be that two police officials bear the officials bear the consequences of the Phala Phala scandal while the President remains unaffected.
Ramaphosa has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
