Ramaphosa escapes criminal charges in farm theft scandal --[Reported by Umva mag]

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will not face criminal charges related to the high-profile theft of US$4 million from his Phala Phala game farm, according to prosecutors.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on Thursday that, after reviewing all available evidence, they found insufficient grounds to support any charges against Ramaphosa or anyone else involved.

“The available evidence cannot sustain any charge,” NPA spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said.

The controversy began when former spy chief Arthur Fraser lodged a complaint accusing Ramaphosa of attempting to conceal the theft and committing irregularities in the process.

Fraser claimed that instead of reporting the theft, Ramaphosa orchestrated the kidnapping and questioning of the alleged robbers to silence them.

The accusations included money laundering, tax evasion and violations of foreign currency laws.

The investigation considered potential violations of income tax and exchange control regulations but ultimately concluded there was no basis for prosecution.

Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the funds came from legitimate buffalo sales at his farm and that he promptly reported the burglary to the police.

He disputed the claims regarding the amount stolen, maintaining that he acted transparently throughout the incident.

The so-called “farmgate” scandal had significant political repercussions as it emerged during a critical period for Ramaphosa’s leadership.

Despite the turmoil, he was re-elected as president in June, albeit after forming a coalition government.

The African National Congress, which holds a majority, previously blocked an impeachment motion against him related to the scandal in 2022.

JN/APA

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