Busisiwe Mkhwebane fired

JUST IN: Constitutional Court rules – Ramaphosa had grounds to suspend Mkhwebane

Ramaphosa asked to testify before Mkhwebane’s fitness probe

Lawyers for Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane previously said President Cyril Ramaphosa may be summoned, should he refuse

Busisiwe Mkhwebane fired

JUST IN: Constitutional Court rules – Ramaphosa had grounds to suspend Mkhwebane

Lawyers for suspended Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, asking him to appear before the Parliamentary inquiry looking into her fitness to hold office.

Advocate Dali Mpofu, Mkhwebane’s legal cousel, had previously told the Section 194 committee that Ramaphosa could be forced to appear, should he refuse – which he has.

According to Eyewitness News, Mkhwebane maintains that Ramaphosa is conflicted because he features prominently in some of her investigations, including the probe into the robbery on his Phala Phala farm and the CR17 saga. As far as farmgate is concerned, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Mkhwebane’s deputy, has taken over the investigation and has given Ramaphosa seven days to respond after denying his request for another extension.

BACKGROUND: Back in June, former spy boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa, claiming he concealed the theft of R62 million that had been kept on his farm in Phala Phala, Limpopo. He also alleges that the suspects were kidnapped and interrogated, before being offered money for their silence. Ramaphosa has admitted there was a robbery on his property, but denies being criminally liable and says the monies stolen were proceeds from the sale of cattle on his farm.

DEADLINE FOR RAMAPHOSA TO ACCEPT REQUEST

Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s lawyers have given President Cyril Ramaphosa until Friday, 22 July 2022 to communicate whether he is accepting the request to appear before her fitness inquiry. Ramaphosa would be expected to give oral evidence on a number of issues, including the CR17 campaign funding.

Ramaphosa has been heavily criticised for failing to be transparent with South Africans and not unsealing his CR17 campaign funding documents – which would show just how much was donated and most importantly, by whom. He has told the State Capture Commission that he understood why people who forked out money for his CR17 campaign would want to remain anonymous.

Ramaphosa has further denied some claims that the donations were made by people who would then get something in return from him.

ALSO READ