Steenhuisen says Ramaphosa used public funds to retrieve ‘dirty dollars’

Jabs are flying as Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenshuisen questions the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in February 2020.

Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga confirmed on Wednesday that they met with SAPS officials on 19 June 2020. The meeting was at an undisclosed location near Noordoewer at the border between Namibia and South Africa.

‘The president should come clean’

The two parties reportedly exchanged intel about the criminals that conspired with a domestic worker to steal over R60 million from Ramaphosa’s property.

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Police later arrested several Namibian nationals, including David Imanuwela, who was convicted of the robbery. The DA is now accusing Ramaphosa of digging into the state’s coffers and misappropriating funds.

“The statement by the Namibian police is hard evidence that Ramaphosa used state resources to investigate his private business matter. While the nation was on lockdown, he used state money to pursue the thieves who stole his $4m cash.

“He needs to end his silence on this matter and explain this blatant abuse of power. Worse still, the money appears ill-gotten. That explains why he failed to report the theft and open a case with SAPS.”

DA leader leader John Steenshuisen

Steenhuisen further alleged that Ramaphosa is hiding a secret. He implored the president to explain why he failed to report the theft. Steenhuisen, additionally, demanded an explanation for why Ramaphosa used state resources to try to retrieve the stolen money.

“President Ramaphosa is not just dragging his own name through the mud. This scandal is incredibly damaging to SA’s image. In his speech on Youth Day [16 June], he spoke of the prospects of foreign investment in South Africa.

“Well, Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal is damaging the country’s economy and the prospects for job creation. He has consistently put party before country [so far] in his presidency. But now he’s he is prioritising his personal interests before the country.”

DA leader leader John Steenshuisen

Steenhuisen condemns Russia after meeting ambassador

Meanwhile, Steenhuisen met with Ukrainian ambassador Liubov Abravitova to discuss the continued Russian invasion of Ukraine on 11 March.

Addressing the media outside parliament following the meeting, Steenhuisen voiced the opposition party’s support for Ukraine. 

“We unequivocally condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of a sovereign state and the position taken by the government. The DA extends its support to Ukraine.”

DA leader leader John Steenshuisen

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