South African prosecutors decline charges against President Ramaphosa in farm theft scandal
South African prosecutors have decided not to file criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding a controversial farm theft that almost toppled his administration two years ago.
The decision follows a complaint from former spy chief Arthur Fraser, who accused Ramaphosa of attempting to conceal the theft of $4 million in cash from his game farm in Limpopo province.
Fraser alleged that the president organized the kidnapping and interrogation of the robbers instead of reporting the crime to authorities.
Despite the serious allegations, including money laundering and tax evasion, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that an investigation found insufficient evidence to support any charges.
Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Ivy Thenga, emphasized that a careful assessment of the evidence did not sustain any allegations against Ramaphosa. The investigation also examined potential violations of tax and exchange control laws.
The case against three individuals accused of breaking into Ramaphosa’s farm will continue next month, as they face charges of money laundering and house-breaking.
Ramaphosa has maintained that the money was derived from legitimate buffalo sales at his Phala Phala farm and has denied any wrongdoing.
Despite the scandal, Ramaphosa was re-elected as president in June, although he was compelled to form a coalition government following ongoing investigations.
In 2022, his party, the African National Congress (ANC), blocked an impeachment motion against him related to the incident.
