PP finding on Phala Phala does not mean President is not criminally liable

30 June 2023

The fact that the acting Public Protector (PP), Adv Kholeka Gcaleka, found that President Cyril Ramaphosa has not violated any ethical codes relating to his office with the Phala Phala incident does not mean that he did not commit a criminal offence.

The PP's premise was that the President did not use or abuse any state funds.

She did, however, say that Major General Wally Rhoode, the head of the presidential security services, acted wrongfully by investigating the matter. She also recommended that action be taken against him.

The PP failed to answer the question about the currency found in the President's house, and no reference was made to the prescriptive financial legislation which should have been complied with.

It would be wrong to try and create the impression that President Ramaphosa did absolutely nothing wrong when it comes to Phala Phala.

The outcome of the police's criminal investigation is still pending. Until then, the matter is nowhere near finalised.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 30 June 2023