Mabuza: Allow law enforcement space to probe Ramaphosa theft

Mabuza answered questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday amid the dark cloud hanging over Ramamphosa’s head over the theft of foreign currency in 2020.

Ramaphosa has come under fire for the theft of a large amount of foreign currency, with questions around the president’s tax obligations and his failure to report the matter to the police.

The allegations came to light a week ago after former spy boss Arthur Fraser laid a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa.

The president has denied any wrongdoing.

The DA’s Siviwe Gwarube asked Mabuza if the admission by the president that money was stolen cast doubt on his ability to run cabinet.

“The issues around the farm robbery at the president's place, I think that has been reported to the police and I take it that we should allow the respective law enforcement agencies to investigate without our interference and finally make their investigation known,” Mabuza answered.

“If they want to charge the president, they will do so at the proper time. So, I think we should allow that process to unfold.”

The EFF’s Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi asked Mabuza if he’s ready to take over presidential duties while Ramaphosa is being investigated.

“I do not think we have reached that point,” Mabuza said.

“I don’t think we have reached any point that seeks to say the president must step down. All I know is that a case has been opened and we have allowed the different institutions of our country to investigate and make a determination. And beyond, probably a determination would be taken, and we can’t jump the gun and say this is the determination.”

National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula was not pleased with MP’s questions as she said “they were not related to the matters being discussed during the session”.

The EFF has already asked Ramaphosa to step down with threats to disturb the Presidency’s budget vote speech on Thursday.

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