The Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa's request to temporarily halt impeachment proceedings tied to the Phala Phala cash scandal, delivering a significant legal reprieve for the South African leader.
Court grants interdict against impeachment hearing
Judge Andre le Grange ruled on Friday that parliamentary impeachment proceedings must be paused while the court considers Ramaphosa's challenge to a 2022 independent panel report. The report had concluded that Ramaphosa "may have committed" serious constitutional violations and misconduct related to foreign currency allegedly stolen from his Phala Phala farm in 2020.
"Pending the determination by this court of the applicant's review… respondents are interdicted from proceeding with a public impeachment hearing," le Grange stated in the ruling.
Details of the Phala Phala scandal
The controversy centers on $580,000 that was reportedly stolen from Ramaphosa's luxury ranch in Limpopo Province. The president has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he reported the burglary to police and that the money came from the legitimate sale of 20 buffaloes. He has rejected all calls to resign.
The complaint against Ramaphosa was filed by a former intelligence chief and ally of former President Jacob Zuma, who alleged that the president concealed a robbery involving $4 million from police and tax authorities. The discrepancy in the reported amount remains a point of contention.
Ramaphosa reaffirms commitment to accountability
Following the court's decision, Ramaphosa released a statement emphasizing his respect for judicial processes. "The President reaffirms his respect of judicial independence and separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution. The President will continue to cooperate with and abide by processes of accountability," the statement read.
Legal and political timeline
The 2022 panel report was initially rejected by South Africa's National Assembly, where the governing African National Congress (ANC) held a majority, preventing impeachment proceedings at that time. However, the Constitutional Court overturned that parliamentary decision in May, leading to the establishment of an impeachment committee.
The court is expected to hear Ramaphosa's application to overturn the 2022 panel report in September. Separately, the country's public prosecutor dropped criminal charges related to the Phala Phala matter in 2024, though the impeachment process has continued.
Impact and next steps
The Western Cape High Court's interdict effectively freezes the impeachment process until the judicial review is complete. This ruling provides Ramaphosa with temporary relief as he seeks to clear his name through the courts. The outcome of the September hearing will be crucial in determining whether the impeachment proceedings can resume or be permanently halted.
