South African president will not be charged over the hidden money that was stolen at his farm

ZIMSPHERE 

South African prosecutors have announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will not face criminal charges regarding the theft of $580,000 from his Phala Phala farm in 2020. This decision comes after extensive investigations into the controversial case that has cast doubts over Ramaphosa’s integrity as president.

Photo: AP 

The stolen money, reportedly proceeds from the sale of buffalos, was hidden in a sofa at the president's private game ranch. Allegations surfaced that Ramaphosa concealed the cash to dodge South Africa’s foreign currency regulations. 

However, Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The saga began when Arthur Fraser, a former national security chief and ally of ex-President Jacob Zuma, filed a criminal complaint in June 2022. 

Fraser accused Ramaphosa of kidnapping, bribery, and other offences related to the stolen U.S. banknotes. 

He claimed that instead of reporting the theft, Ramaphosa orchestrated a cover-up, involving his presidential protection unit in tracking, kidnapping, and bribing the thieves to silence them.

These explosive allegations came to light only after Fraser’s complaint, leading to political turmoil as Ramaphosa faced a crucial party leadership vote. Despite the scandal, Ramaphosa emerged victorious, securing a second term as president in June.

On Thursday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that no charges would be filed against Ramaphosa or his security team. 

"This decision follows a comprehensive investigation process," stated the NPA. 

According to spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga, over 150 statements were collected during the inquiry, but the evidence was insufficient to support any charges.

Ramaphosa was also exonerated by the Reserve Bank and an independent watchdog in related investigations. 

Last year, two men and a woman, reportedly including a worker at the farm, were arrested and charged with breaking and entering and theft.

Some observers assert that the scandal was politically motivated, citing Fraser’s close ties to Jacob Zuma. 

Zuma, who resigned in 2018 amid corruption allegations, has since become a political adversary to his former deputy, Ramaphosa.

(with news agencies)