MK Party says NPA’s Phala Phala decision ‘clear example of justice reserved for powerful’
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has described the NPA’s decision not to pursue charges against anyone involved in the Phala Phala saga as a slap in the face for accountability.
The saga stems from the 2020 theft of a substantial amount of money from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
In 2022, former spy chief Arthur Fraser accused Ramaphosa and Major General Wally Roode, the head of his protection service, of attempting to cover up the theft.
In 2023, a Section 89 Independent Panel, sanctioned by Parliament, found that Ramaphosa had a case to answer.
However, following investigations, the NPA concluded that, based on the available evidence, there was no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution.
The Public Protector also cleared the president of any wrongdoing.
During a media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe criticised the NPA’s decision, calling it another example of justice being reserved for the powerful.
"To add insult to injury, we have seen how this government protects its own while the people suffer.
“The NPA’s recent decision not to prosecute the President over the Phala Phala scandal is a clear example of how justice in this country is reserved for the powerful.
“Millions of rands were found hidden on the President's farm, yet he walks free without facing any consequences. This is a slap in the face to every South African who demands accountability and fairness," said Hlophe.
He argued that the NPA had failed in its duty to ensure equality before the law.
"If this government truly cared about transparency and justice, they would ensure that no one, not even the president, is above the law,” Hlophe said.
“But instead, we see them closing ranks, protecting each other, and letting corruption thrive while the people continue to struggle.”
The South African Reserve Bank confirmed that the foreign currency found at Phala Phala had not been declared, which is a violation of South Africa’s tax laws and the Reserve Bank’s Exchange Control Regulations.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya responded to the criticism on Wednesday, saying Ramaphosa had noted the dissatisfaction expressed by various sectors of society regarding the NPA's decision.
"We are aware of the unhappiness voiced by some parties. The National Director of Public Prosecutions has commented that those aggrieved have mechanisms at their disposal to pursue further action with the NPA.
“Therefore, we have nothing more to add except to observe these processes as they unfold," Magwenya said.
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