Ramaphosa denies pre-empting Mkhwebane outcome, remains mum on farm robbery
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied pre-empting the outcome of the Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's case that was before the Western Cape High Court.
The court on Friday dismissed with costs Mkhwebane's application to stop Parliament's inquiry into her fitness to hold office.
It said her application lacked the requirements of an interdict.
Ramaphosa suspended her with immediate effect on Thursday, pending the impeachment process.
The day before, Mkhewebane confirmed that a complaint had been lodged with her office the leader of the ATM party, for allegedly breaching the executive code of ethics.
Ramaphosa has told a press conference on Friday there's nothing untoward about his decision to suspend the public protector.
"I did not know that the judgment would be coming out as early as yesterday or so. I felt I should still go ahead, notwithstanding that. The issue of timing has to be looked at in the historic processes that had taken place.
"It was not an immediate term event and it was not really even linked to the investigation that she argues she launched in regards to the robbery at the farm."
Mkhwebane has already said she will fight her suspension.
She's criticised some aspects of today's court ruling, including that she personally pays the costs.
On the farm robbery saga, Ramaphosa said he's been advised to remain mum as questions continue to swirl around the robbery on his Limpopo farm.
He earlier urged MPs to give law enforcement entities time to complete their investigations.
"He asked a whole number of questions knowing very well that those are questions that I said I am going to be relying on the process that I have spoken about that there is due process."
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said the Presidency has been instrumental in turning around certain government entities.
Ramaphosa's reply didn't happen until nearly four hours later after the parliamentary sitting descended into chaos again.
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