2020 Phala Phala Robbery

Last updated

2020 Phala Phala Robbery
Date9 February 2020
LocationPhala Phala Private Game Farm
MotiveBurglary
Outcomean indeterminate amount of money stolen

The 2020 Phala Phala Robbery or Cyril Ramaphosa Farm Burglary or Farmgate Scandal was a burglary of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's private Phala Phala game farm near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa. [1] [2] [3] The incident occurred on 9 February 2020 in which an indeterminate amount of cash was stolen. Arthur Fraser, an ally [4] of former President Jacob Zuma alleged that around 4 million US dollars (60 million rand) of undeclared foreign currency had been stolen. [5] [6] However, subsequent reports indicated that the amount stolen was $580 000 [7] Ramaphosa denied any wrongdoing, [8] and sought judicial review of a report by a panel appointed by the South African Parliament released in 2022 that accused him of "serious misconduct". [8] Opposition parties and MPs have slammed investigations into the source of the cash, and have accused the South African Reserve Bank of a providing claptrap report and systemic coverup. The Democratic Alliance intends to pursue the courts to further investigate the matter. [9]

Contents

Context

On 1 June 2022, former head of the State Security Agency and close ally of former president Jacob Zuma, Arthur Fraser, [10] lodged a criminal complaint against Cyril Ramaphosa for defeating the ends of justice by committing breaches of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act of 2004. [11] Fraser's complaint stated that a total of US$ 4 million (equivalent to R62 million) [12] stashed inside a couch at Ramaphosa's home at the Phala Phala game farm in Waterberg, Limpopo was stolen [13] “on or about” 9 February 2020. [14] It went on to state that the president did not report the crime and that the existence of such a large amount of foreign currency was not declared to the reserve bank despite regulations. Fraser's complaint also alleged that suspects supposedly involved in the theft were kidnapped and interrogated [11] at the farm [15] and were paid off not to tell anyone of the incident. [12] The Namibian authorities identified suspects involved in the theft before it became public but allegedly let the matter go following requests from South African state security sources. [16]

Sources close to the president stated that whilst a theft did take place at the farm the amount of money involved was less than Fraser had claimed and the money was all legally obtained following the sale of Ankole cattle. [12] Ramaposa stated that he did not report the crime as he did not want to cause alarm within the farming community and instead the presidential security detail investigated the theft. [12]

2020 alleged burglary

From the allegation and charges laid by Arthur Fraser, the following events allegedly took place: A domestic worker employed at the Phala Phala game farm had allegedly discovered foreign currency hidden in furniture. [17] She lived off the farm in the village of Cyferskyl. [17] Many Namibians live there and their origin were from persons who had fought on the side of the South African Defence Force during the Border War and settled in South Africa after 1989. [17] She discussed the find with some neighbours and they put her in touch with some Namibians, who could help her, and were based in Cape Town. [17] The burglary occurred on the night of 9 February 2020, around 10 pm. Fraser claimed the whole event was recorded on CCTV. [17] The burglars initially broke into the wrong room and were then allegedly assisted by the domestic worker to the right room. [17] After the burglary, they then fled to Cape Town. [17] When the burglary was discovered, the head of the Presidential Protection Unit Major-General Wally Rhoode allegedly became involved, instructed to investigate by Cyril Ramaphosa. [17] Suspects were eventually traced to Cape Town after the domestic worker was interrogated and her cell phone examined for messages with the burglars. [17] In Cape Town, the burglars laundered the foreign currency into Rands at a Chinese money exchange. [18] Fraser claims the suspects were interrogated, any money left over returned and the burglars paid-off with R150 000. [17] At least one was allegedly interrogated while in Namibia by Rhoode. [17] This occurred due to the alleged intervention of Ramaphosa with Namibian President Hage Geingob. The domestic worker was allegedly fired then reinstated and paid off with $150 000. [17]

Burglary suspects

The following alleged suspects were identified from the charges laid by Arthur Fraser with the police. The suspects that have been interviewed by journalists have claimed they are innocent.

2022 timeline

On 1 June, former Director-general of the State Security Agency and Department of Correctional Services commissioner Arthur Fraser and his lawyer attended the Rosebank Police Station and laid a charge of money laundering, defeating the end of justice and kidnapping against President Cyril Ramaphosa. [21] He presented evidence to his support his allegations that included names, photographs, video footage of the robbery, and bank accounts. [21] He alleged that $4 million in foreign currency was stolen from a concealed location at the president's game park at Phala Phala on 9 February 2022. He alleged the burglars were then identified, kidnapped, interrogated and then bribed to hide the implications of the undeclared foreign currency from the South African Police Service and South African Revenue Service [21] The allegation was laid under section 34(2) of the Prevention and Combatting Corrupt Activities Act, which states that it is an offence not to report alleged crimes related to the act. [22]

A spokesperson for the presidency, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed the burglary on 2 June 2022, which occurred at the president's farm in 2020, that around $4 million was stolen and that the Ramaphosa denied any criminal conduct. [23] The spokesman question the timing of Fraser's disclosure two years later. [23] Magwenya confirmed that the theft was reported to the head of the Presidential Protection Unit of the South African Police. [23]

By 3 June 2022, Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said that his party would be writing to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) calling for the organisation to investigate whether the money had been declared and tax paid. [23] They would also write to South African Reserve Bank (SARB) asking them to investigate whether the foreign exchange held by Ramaphosa was the result of an illicit flow of funds and whether money laundering was involved. [23]

On Sunday 5 June 2022, President Ramaphosa, at his closing address of the ANC Limpopo provincial conference, claimed there was a political agenda around the disclosure that he had hidden the theft of money from his game park and that the amount of money was far less than had been reported. [24] He claimed the money came from selling game animals and he had not stolen money nor was it a case of money laundering. [24]

Monday, 6 June 2022, saw ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Tony Yengeni, a Jacob Zuma supporter, have the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting agenda modified to include a discussion about the brewing scandal. [25] He attempted to force the committee to make the Ramaphosa step down while he was investigated by the ANC's integrity committee. [25] He also attempted to get the president to face parliament's ethics committee. [25] The attempt failed to unseat the president and the NWC accepted a report from Ramaphosa and would wait for the investigation to take its course before making a decision. [25]

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa wrote to the parliamentary speaker on 7 June 2022 requesting that parliament investigate the allegations using a panel of retired judges, and that president should step down during the process and allow the vice-president David Mabuza to assume the role. [25]

On 7 June, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) released a video supposedly of the robbery at Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm. [26] EFF leader Julius Malema called for the president to step aside while the police investigate. [26] He promised to mobilise the public to stop recognising his right to be president if he failed to step aside. [26] Malema also claimed the police were being pressured to change dates on official documents to back the president's claims that the Presidential Protection Unit had opened a case. [26] After the purported footage was released, the EFF laid allegations of money laundering with Ramaphosa denying the allegations. [27] [28] [29]

Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane announced on 8 June 2022 that she would be investigating Ramaphosa for criminal activities after receiving a complaint from African Transformation Movement MP and president Vuyo Zungula concerning allegations of bribery, concealing crimes and kidnapping at the president's farm. [30]

The following day, 9 June 2022, Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was suspended by Cyril Ramaphosa. [30] Her suspension came, after weeks earlier, the president had requested her to report back to him as to why he shouldn't suspend her. [30] This she had done on 27 May 2022. [30] Her suspension would in no way hinder the deputy public protector from investigating the president. [30]

President Ramaphosa stated on 10 June 2022, that he would step aside if he was charged over the events that followed after money was stolen from his game park by burglars. [31] He also announced that he had volunteered to appear before the ANC Integrity Commission.

On 13 June 2022, ex-ANC spokesperson and Jacob Zuma supporter, Carl Niehaus opened a case of money laundering and kidnapping, at a police station, against Cyril Ramaphosa. [32] He said the president should be held accountable for his crimes and the opening of a case against the latter should become a national campaign and encourage South Africans to do the same. [32] On the same day, the Hawks confirmed that a group of investigators had been appointed to investigate. [32]

African Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula tabled an official motion on 14 June 2022 that parliament investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa by forming a Section 89 Committee Inquiry over allegations the latter had violated section 89 of the South African Constitution. [22]

On 15 June 2022, the Hawks investigators met Arthur Fraser and discussed his allegations, provided additional information and he received an update on the case's progress. [33]

Namibian Police Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga alleged that after the arrest of Imanuwela David on 12 June 2020, Namibian police meet South African police on 19 June 2020 in Noordoewer, ǁKaras Region to discuss the arrest and the proceeds that had been obtained from the crime in South Africa. [34] He also refuted any allegations of torture alleged by Fraiser in his affidavit. [34] Police Minister Bheki Cele denied any knowledge of the meeting. [34] The South African National Defence Force (SADF) had also denied allegations that Imanuwela David had been a member of its organisation, an allegation also made by Namibian police. [34] Home Affairs also refused to confirm David's citizenship. [34]

South African Justice and Correctional Services spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said on 21 June that no request had been received from the Namibians, something the Namibians said they had done, in order to confirm whether a crime had been registered in South Africa in relation to the alleged suspects and money flow into Namibia so that a preservation order could be issued. [35]

DA leader John Steenhuisen said on 21 June, that the DA had written to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to request that they investigate allegations of possible money laundering. [36] They wanted the source of the funds investigated, whether it was brought into the country legitimately. [36] The DA also wrote to the South African Revenue Service and the Financial Intelligence Centre requesting they investigate potential crimes. [36]

The Sunday Independent newspaper alleged in late June 2022, that sixteen members of special task force were deployed to investigate the money theft and budgeted out of a secret crime intelligence account. [37] Three months after the theft, it was alleged the unit was reduced to eight after General Sam Setlhabaneing complained that money was being spent on an operation he knew nothing about. [37] Eventually the task force was disbanded. [37] Other allegations were made that a cell phone interception device was used to track the alleged burglars to Cape Town. [37] They were raided under the pretext of a drug dealing. [37] It was also alleged some of the stolen money was found and that alleged burglars were then bribed to maintain their silence. [37]

Deputy Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka requested thirty-one answers to the questions she had sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa. [38] The deadline was set as 22 June 2022 but he did not meet the deadline and Gcaleka gave him and extension. [38] This extension had not been disclosed publicly. [38] She would later defend her decision saying it was based on the amount of information required and all extensions were based on merit and maintained her independence and impartiality. [39]

In July Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula declined to proceed with Democratic Alliance's request for parliament to set up an ad hoc committee and the same with the ATM party's request for an impeachment of the president. [40]

On 16 July, the National Commissioner of SAPS General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola announced that Lieutenant General Sam Shitlabane had taken command of Presidential Protection Service (PPS) replacing Major-Gen Wally Rhoode. [41]

On 18 July 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa missed the deadline to answer thirty-one questions put to him by the Office of the Public Protector after it had been extended on 22 June and a further request for an extension was asked for and denied. [42] But on 23 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the Office of the Public Protector's thirty-one questions. [43]

In July, despite many requests from opposition parties, the Department of Home Affairs refused to confirm Immanuela David's nationality on the grounds of privacy laws which required the latter to consent to its release. [44]

On 25 July, The Sunday Independent published Presidential Protection Service General Wally Rhoode's alleged responses to questions put to him by the Public Protector. [45] He had allegedly confirmed that he had driven to Namibia with President Ramaphosa's adviser, Bejani Chauke. [45] They met Namibian police and were flown to Windhoek by helicopter arranged by Namibian President Hage Geingob. [45] This was denied by Geingob's spokesperson. [45] Other allegations made by the newspaper were that the Namibians had become involved after the alleged robbers had been arrested, interrogated, paid off and released in South Africa at the end of March 2020. [45] At least two of the robbers had then entered Namibia, one illegally. [45] The former, Erkki Shikongo, was arrested prior to the Namibian meeting, when Namibian police were investigating money transfers and Immanuwela David was arrested in June 2020 after crossing illegally, bribery and in possession of luxury goods and cash. [45]

It was also alleged in Rhoode's statement to the public protector, that he blamed the late Deputy Commissioner Sindile Mfazi for not implementing a proper investigation of the robbery. [46] Four police generals called Rhoode a "shameless liar" and that he had never reported the robbery nor that the former national police commissioner authorised Rhoode's trip to Namibia. [46]

At the end of July, Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola stated in an affidavit that no case of theft was ever reported by President Cyril Ramaphosa. [47] He also stated that the theft took place on 10 February 2020 and was only reported on 2 March 2020 to the then head of protection services Major-General Wally Rhoode. [47]

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) announced on 2 August it would investigate the conduct of the police officers involved in the Phala Phala robbery in regard to police regulations while the Hawks would continue to investigate possible criminal police conduct. [48] ATM president Vuyo Zungula had written to the directorate in late June asking them to investigate the matter and again July. [49] [50]

On August 5, Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula notified the African Transformation Movement (ATM) that its motion for an independent panel to investigate allegation that could lead to the possible impeachment of the president, complied with the Constitution, rules and established practices and independent panel would be appointed. [51]

In late August 2022, Hawks head General Godfrey Lebeya, in a media briefing on other matters said that the Phala Phala investigation was still ongoing and that forty-one statements had been obtained so far. [52]

South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago replied by letter on 30 August 2022 to opposition parties after they requested an update of the bank's progress in investigating the Phala Phala allegations. [53] He said the Financial Surveillance Department (FSD) had communicated with the president and his advisers on 20 June 2022 and were given 21 days to respond with another 15 days extension granted. [53] He said the department had been given information, but further questions had been sent to the president and his advisers with deadline of 8 September 2022. [53]

On 14 September 2022, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula appointed a three-person panel, consisting of former chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, Judge Thokozile Masipa and Professor Richard Calland to investigate if there was prima face evidence of criminal activity at Phala Phala farm that could result in the parliamentary impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa. [54] The panel was to take submissions from MP's and was given 30 days to report back to the speaker. [54] Professor Richard Calland's independence was immediately called into question by opposition MP's stating he had made statements of support for the President in the past. [54] On Tuesday 27 September, Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula announced advocate Mahlape Sello would replace Professor Calland after having considered written submissions and legal opinions regarding the appointment of Calland. [55] Known as the Section 89 panel, it started hearing submissions on 19 October 2022. [56]

President Cyril Ramaphosa had until Sunday, 6 November 2022, to respond to the Section 89 panel about allegations made to the panel by MPs. [57] On 7 November, former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, chairman of the Section 89 panel confirmed that President Ramaphosa had replied to the MPs allegation that had been presented to the panel. [58] The report was due on 17 November 2022.

ANC NEC met mid-November to discuss reports prior to its December conference when a new president would be chosen. [59] It was said the NEC would be presented with the ANC's integrity committee statement about the Phala Phala matter. [59] Leaked information from the meeting of the NEC claimed President Cyril Ramaphosa got to present his version of the incident and was said to have revealed that only $480 000 (about R8.28 million) was stolen instead of the $4 million, was tax-compliant, and that he had identified to the authorities the names of those who had bought the cattle. [60] It was said that some members called for him to step down at the meeting and others defended him. [60] ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile claimed after the NEC meeting that integrity committee had submitted a report but was still working on the report related to Phala Phala. [61] The ANC's Integrity Commission put out a statement in mid-November deny reports of claims in the media of the circulation of a leaked progress update on Phala Phala robbery. [62] It claimed no such report has been released. [62]

African Transformation Movement President Vuyolwethu Zungula threatened judges in the panel that is probing President Cyril Ramaphosa with impeachment if they tried to protect the president. [63] Legal expert advocate Thulezwile Ndawo said ATM would not be able to impeach the panel or take the report under judicial review. [63]

On 16 November retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, chairperson of the three-member panel of experts mandated by the speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to determine if President Cyril Ramaphosa has a prima facie case to answer concerning Phala Phala robbery, was given an extension until November 30 to submit their report. [64] Several opposition parties described the deadline extension as a delaying tactic and was unacceptable. [65]

As the Parliament was due to go into recess on December 1, this concerned opposition MPs as the feared the panel's report would only be tabled before Parliament in February 2023. [66] The National Assembly programming committee meeting said on 17 November, that a sitting would be arranged for December 6 for the Section 89 report to be considered and distributed to MPs prior to the sitting. [66]

Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula received the Phala Phala report from former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, chairman of the Section 89 panel, on the 30 November 2022. [67] She said the Phala Phala report would be handed to the parliament's Announcements, Tablings and Committees (ATC) and was used by parliament to publish documents which are sent out to MPs, media and other stakeholders. [67]

The report from the Section 89 panel was released to the public on the evening of 30 November 2022 and concluded, the following statement after receiving submissions from the EFF, UDM and ATM and President Cyril Ramaphosa, that:

“In light of all the information placed before the Panel, we conclude that this information discloses, prima facie, that the President may have committed:

Local media reported that Ramaphosa wished to resign in the wake of the report, [69] however Ramaphosa revised his position, pending a meeting of the ANC's National Executive Committee. [70] The uncertainty around Ramaphosa's position caused South Africa's currency and bond markets to fall. [71]

The South African parliament met on 13 December 2022 to debate the Section 89 panel's report and vote on impeachment proceedings. [72] A vote was taken after the debate to impeach the president which failed to pass after the ANC members voted against impeachment it while the opposition parties and a handful of ANC members voted for it. [72] 214 members voted against setting up an impeachment committee, 148 voted in favour and there were two abstentions. [72]

Prior to the vote, President Cyril Ramaphosa applied to the Constitutional Court to have the Section 89 panel's report declared unlawful and invalid. [72] Hazim Mustafa, the Sudanese businessman residing in the United Arab Emirates corroborated Ramaphosa's version of events in December 2022 interviews with The Guardian and Sky News, stating that he was unaware that Ramaphosa owned the farm, and that he had paid $580,000 cash to Ramaphosa's staff for a rare cattle breed to add to his collection of exotic animals. [73] [74]

Ramaphosa was re-elected for another five-year term as ANC president at the party's December 2022 elective conference. [75]

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References

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  2. ↑ Davis, Rebecca (7 June 2022). "SPIES R US EXPLAINER: Unpacking the Cyril Ramaphosa home robbery story, and why you should care". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  3. ↑ Ndenze, Babalo. "Cele: Presidential Protection Unit head knew about robbery at Ramaphosa farm". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  4. ↑ de Villiers, James (9 September 2021). "EXPLAINER | 'The spy who saved Zuma' - what you need to know about Arthur Fraser". News24.
  5. ↑ Omarjee, Hajra (7 June 2022). "Hawks take over the probe into the burglary at Ramaphosa's game farm". BusinessLIVE. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  6. ↑ Mbatha, Amogelang (7 June 2022). "Ramaphosa to appear before ANC after farm robbery". Moneyweb. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  7. ↑ Cowan, Kyle (6 September 2022). "Phala Phala: Mystery Sudanese businessman paid $580 000 to Ramaphosa's farmhand 45 days before theft". News24.
  8. 1 2 Burke, Jason (3 December 2022). "South Africa president to mount legal action in face of impeachment threat". The Guardian .
  9. ↑ Cronje, Jan (30 August 2023). "Phala couch cash was 'security deposit', says Reserve Bank governor amid grilling by MPs". News24.
  10. ↑ Cohen, Michael (15 June 2022). "Furore over a theft bedevils the ANC". Moneyweb. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  11. 1 2 Daniels, Nicola (7 June 2022). "Sars, Reserve Bank mum on Ramaphosa's farmgate". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
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  13. ↑ Gerber, Jan (15 June 2022). "ANC does not want to 'interfere' with investigations into 'Rama-Phala Phala'". News24. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
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  15. ↑ Bhengu, Cebelihle (15 June 2022). "'We have sides hidden under a mattress. It's a steal' — Nando's throws jab at Ramaphosa's 'farmgate' scandal". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "Ramaphosa 'Farmgate': What we know, what we don't know and why you should care" . Daily Maverick. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
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  18. ↑ Daniels, Nicola. "Ramaphosa's farmgate loot splurged in Cape Town". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
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  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Hyman, Aron; Nombembe, Philani; Hosken, Graeme; Makhetha, Tankiso (12 June 2022). "'I'm a hustler, but I didn't steal the president's cash'" . Sunday Times . p. 1. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024.
  21. 1 2 3 Harper, Paddy (3 June 2022). "Arthur Fraser opens criminal case against Ramaphosa". Mail&Guardian.
  22. 1 2 Mogakanethe, Tshwarelo Hunter (15 June 2022). "ATM tables motion for Parliament to probe Cyril Ramaphosa's Farmgate scandal". IOL. p. 7. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sar, SARB probe demanded into alleged $4m theft from Cyril's farm". The Citizen. 4 June 2022. p. 5.
  24. 1 2 Naki, Eric (6 June 2022). "'All this money is from selling animals'". The Citizen. p. 2.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 Harper, Paddy; Ferreira, Emsie (10 June 2022). "Ramaphosa survives internal challenge, but impeachment storm awaits". Mail&Guardian.
  26. 1 2 3 4 Patel, Faizel (8 June 2022). "EFF releases videos allegedly showing $4 million robbery at Ramaphosa's farm". The Citizen. p. 4. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023.
  27. ↑ Molyneaux, Anthony (7 June 2022). "WATCH - CCTV footage purports to show burglary at Ramaphosa's house". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  28. ↑ Duma, Nkosikhona (7 June 2022). "EFF calls on Ramaphosa to step aside or face anarchy". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  29. ↑ Mogakane, Tshwarelo Hunter (8 June 2022). "Julius Malema calls for Cyril Ramaphosa to step aside says EFF will treat him same as Jacob Zuma". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 Watson, Amanda (10 June 2022). "Suspended Busi keeps up the battle". The Citizen. p. 2.
  31. ↑ Watson, Amanda (11 June 2022). "Cyril trusts his future to 'due process'". The Citizen. p. 5.
  32. 1 2 3 Sithole, Siyabonga (14 June 2022). "Niehaus opens case against Ramaphosa". The Star. p. 2.
  33. ↑ Mogakanethe, Tshwarelo Hunter (17 June 2022). "Hawks, Arthur Fraser meet to discuss burglary at Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm". The Star. p. 1.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 Daniels, Nicola (21 June 2022). "Bheki Cele not aware of the 'no man's land' meeting with Namibians over farmgate". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  35. ↑ Daniels, Nicola (21 June 2022). "Farmgate saga: 'No record' of asset order request". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  36. 1 2 3 Chetty, Kuben (22 June 2022). "FBI asked to probe Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm dollars matter". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  37. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Afrika, Mzilikazi Wa (26 June 2022). "Crime Intelligence funds used for 'farmgate' cover-up". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  38. 1 2 3 Sithole, Siyabonga (3 July 2022). "ATM considers legal advice over Ramaphosa's extension". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  39. ↑ Makwakwa, Thabo (6 July 2022). "Acting Public Protector defends Cyril Ramaphosa's extension to respond to Phala Phala questions". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  40. ↑ Sithole, Siyabonga (10 July 2022). "Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula declines request to hold Ramaphosa accountable". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  41. ↑ Ruiters, Tracy-Lynn (16 July 2022). "SAPS appoints new presidential protection head and commissioners". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  42. ↑ Daniels, Nicola (19 July 2022). "Ramaphosa misses deadline on farmgate questions from public protector". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  43. ↑ Bhuta, Sisipho (23 July 2022). "Ramaphosa finally responds to Public Protector's Phala Phala questions". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  44. ↑ Daniels, Nicola (21 July 2022). "Suspicion mounts over Home Affairs' refusal to disclose Farmgate 'mastermind's' nationality". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Afrika, Mzilikazi Wa (25 July 2022). "Wally Rhoode spills the beans on Farmgate". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  46. 1 2 Afrika, Mzilikazi Wa (25 July 2022). "Farmgate: Khehla Sitole vs Wally Rhoode". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  47. 1 2 Sithole, Siyabonga (31 July 2022). "Police commissioner confirms Ramaphosa did not open case". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  48. ↑ Daniels, Nicola (3 August 2022). "Ipid now probes Farmgate 'cover-up'". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  49. ↑ Mogakane, Tshwarelo (23 June 2022). "ATM asks Ipid to probe Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm theft 'cover-up'". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  50. ↑ Nkosi, Ntombi (12 July 2022). "ATM: A crime did happen at Phala Phala farm and it was concealed by the president and police". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  51. ↑ Mtshali, Samkelo. "Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula okays Cyril Ramaphosa impeachment motion". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  52. ↑ Ndaba, Baldwin (24 August 2022). "Hawks' Godfrey Lebeya gives update on probe into Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  53. 1 2 3 Sithole, Siyabonga (31 August 2022). "SA Reserve Bank continues to probe Ramaphosa over Phala Phala foreign currency scandal". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  54. 1 2 3 Sithole, Siyabonga (15 September 2022). "EFF rejects independent panel to probe Phala Phala". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  55. ↑ Maqhina, Mayibongwe (28 September 2022). "UCT's Calland removed from Phala Phala impeachment panel". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  56. ↑ Maqhina, Mayibongwe (19 October 2022). "ATM welcomes start of work by independent panel of experts on Phala Phala fiasco". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  57. ↑ Chetty, Kuben (6 November 2022). "Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm probe reaches crucial stage". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  58. ↑ Chetty, Kuben (7 November 2022). "Ramaphosa makes submissions on Phala Phala farm robbery". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  59. 1 2 Mashigo, Lehlohonolo (12 November 2022). "Leaked Phala Phala report that says Ramaphosa put the ANC in disrepute denied by Integrity Committee". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  60. 1 2 Sadike, Mashudu (14 November 2022). "Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm robbery continues to sow divisions within ANC's NEC". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  61. ↑ Maqhina, Mayibongwe (15 November 2022). "Paul Mashatile mum on what Ramaphosa told NEC about Phala Phala farm". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  62. 1 2 Ramalaine, Clyde N. S. (15 November 2022). "ANC Integrity Commission press statement an empty disowning, thus a hollow bark in the dark!". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  63. 1 2 Phungula, Willem (15 November 2022). "ATM vows to take Phala Phala panel report on review if it finds nothing against Cyril Ramaphosa". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  64. ↑ Maqhina, Mayibongwe (17 November 2022). "'Public interest:' Cyril inquiry panel granted leeway". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  65. ↑ Nkosi, Ntombi (17 November 2022). "Phala Phala deadline extension a concern for some MPs as Parliament is going on recess until February 2023". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  66. 1 2 Mogakane, Tshwarelo Hunter (18 November 2022). "Bantu Holomisa calls on parties to petition experts to make Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala probe report public". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  67. 1 2 "Phala Phala report: What is the ATC and how it will be used". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  68. ↑ Hans, Bongani (1 December 2022). "Cyril Ramaphosa broke the law – Phala Phala Farmgate report". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  69. ↑ Toit, Pieter du; Basson, Adriaan; Hunter, Qaanitah (1 December 2022). "President Cyril Ramaphosa 'very likely' to resign". News24. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  70. ↑ Tandwa, Lizeka (2 December 2022). "Why Ramaphosa made a U-turn on announcing his resignation". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  71. ↑ "UPDATE 3-South African rand, bonds tumble on panel findings against president". Reuters. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  72. 1 2 3 4 "Cyril Ramaphosa: South Africa president survives MP vote over cash-in-sofa scandal". BBC News. 13 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  73. ↑ Salih, Zeinab Mohammed; Burke, Jason (6 December 2022). "Ramaphosa account of 'Farmgate' cash backed up by businessman". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  74. ↑ Elbagir, Yousra; Carelse, Vauldi (5 December 2022). "Man named in Farmgate scandal evidence says he didn't know $580,000 buffalo deal was with Ramaphosa - and that he's still waiting for refund". Sky News. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  75. ↑ Braithwaite, Sharon (19 December 2022). "Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected as leader of South Africa's governing African National Congress". CNN. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
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