UPDATE: EFF rejects Phala Phala ‘nonsensical report’ Photos: PhalaPhala
JUST IN: President Ramaphosa cleared in preliminary Phala Phala report
President Cyril Ramaphosa was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Phala Phala farm scandal. Here is more information.
UPDATE: EFF rejects Phala Phala ‘nonsensical report’ Photos: PhalaPhala
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.
JUST IN – RAMAPHOSA HAS BEEN CLEARED IN THE PHALA PHALA REPORT
Gcaleka has found Ramaphosa did not contravene the Executive Ethics code, that’s the complaint that triggered the probe.
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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.
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THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR FOUND NO PROOF THAT RAMAPHOSA WAS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN RUNNING THE FARM
In a preliminary report, Gcaleka found there’s no proof the President was actively involved in the running of the farm.
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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.
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RAMAPHOSA WAS ACCUSED OF A COVER-UP REGARDING THE BURGLARY AND THEFT OF MONEY
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.
THE PRESIDENCY CONFIRMED RECEIPT OF THE REPORT
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed on Saturday that the Presidency is in receipt of the Public Protector’s preliminary report.
“As stated before, we reiterate that the President did not participate in any wrong doing, nor did he violate the oath of his office. Instead, the President was a victim of a crime that he duly reported to the relevant authorities.”
Vincent Magwenya
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