Ramaphosa applies for Phala Phala review, claims panel misunderstood its mandate
President Cyril Ramaphosa believes the Independent parliamentary panel on Phala Phala misunderstood its mandate.
Ramaphosa filed papers at the Constitutional Court to review the panel report, which found that he may have committed serious violations of the constitution and anti-corruption laws.
The panel, which was headed by former chief justice Sandile Ngcobo, was tasked to investigate whether there is prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa had violated his oath of office during and following the robbery at his private farm in Limpopo.
But Ramaphosa believes the report is seriously flawed.
"This application does not come easily. I have carefully considered the report and respectfully submit that the process followed by the Panel and its conclusions are seriously flawed, thus making the recommendations irrational,” he says in his court papers.
“In Summary, I submit that the Panel misconceived its mandate, misjudged the information placed before it, and misinterpreted the four charges advanced against me.”
Ramaphosa insists in his papers that the panel strayed beyond the four charges and considered matters not properly before it.
On the serious violation of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Activities Act, Ramaphosa says the panel's conclusion is based on a misunderstanding of the Act.
"I am the sole member of Ntaba Nyoni but I do not run Phala Phala. It has a management, and I did not know about the theft until I was informed of it,” he submits.
On a possible impeachment, Ramaphosa believes the removal of the president from office should be considered by the highest court in the land.
“The removal of a President from office has significant consequences - not only on the public's trust in that office but also on the very functioning of the Executive branch of government,” he submits.
“I respectfully submit that given the office in question, and the constitutional consequences following the panel's decision, it is only this court that should pronounce on the legality of the panel's decision," says Ramaphosa.
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