ANC NEC member and Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says President Cyril Ramaphosa should consider stepping aside from his position if he is criminally charged over allegations that he concealed a crime from the police following a burglary at his farm in Bela Bela, Limpopo.
Sisulu, among the potential contenders to challenge Ramaphosa’s re-election as ANC president in December, was speaking during an interview with eNCA on Tuesday evening.
“If there is a prima facie case against the Presdent then he must step aside,” said Sisulu.
“He must be given an opportunity though to answer questions and respond to these allegations. But if the independent panel can prove [the president violated the Constitution or breached laws combatting corrupt activities], then the right thing to do for him would be to step aside. This would show that he has integrity.”
The panel was appointed in the aftermath of a motion from ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula calling for Ramaphosa’s removal.
According to Zungula, Ramaphosa failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic.
This comes after former State Security Agency (SSA) boss Arthur Fraser recently laid a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa, implying the president concealed the crime from authorities.
It is alleged that $4-million — approximately R62-million — was stolen from the farm, but the theft was never reported to the police.
Ramaphosa has denied involvement in criminal activity.
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