By: Natasha Archary
President Cyril Ramaphosa denies abusing his power to cover up the $4 million robbery at his Phala Phala game farm.
Facing Members of Parliament in the National Assembly on Thursday, 29 September, the President came under fire for his handling of the robbery in 2020.
Ramaphosa vehemently denied that he was involved in money laundering and reiterated his earlier statement about the money coming from the proceeds of cattle and game at his farm.
“There was no form of money laundering. It was proceeds from the sale of the game. I have been a game farmer for a number of years. That is an activity that sometimes results in the sale of animals.”
The President also denied abusing his power to cover up the robbery, saying he is not the type of person to do such a thing.
“I don’t believe I abused my power, because, I am surrounded by police officials. When I informed the General, I was informing a police official. I want to dispute that I abused my power.”
However, EFF leader Julius Malema questioned Ramaphosa’s failure to report the crime to the police.
“What made you think you are so special that you can report a crime to a general? You see yourself above the law, and that is why you report crimes to a general, not a charge office.”
Apart from the Phala Phala scandal, Ramaphosa was asked about the ongoing power crisis which is crippling the country’s economy, the high crime rate and other matters of national importance.
Ramaphosa may face an inquiry depending on the findings the appointed Section 89 panel concludes with regards to the Phala Phala scandal.
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