PHUTI MOSOMANE
IN his maiden oral address to the National Assembly on Thursday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasized the significance of allowing all agencies investigating the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm to conclude their investigations.
During his address to Members of Parliament (MPs), Mashatile stated that Ramaphosa has made a commitment to ensuring that all investigations related to the Phala Phala farm are concluded.
“The President has expressed his commitment to cooperate fully with all investigations. The government supports this position without any reservations,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile noted that it is premature to conclude whether the government’s endeavors to combat crime and corruption have been weakened due to the accusations against Ramaphosa, as investigations are still ongoing.
“We simply do not have sufficient information to reach an informed conclusion at this stage. That said, the fact that public institutions care to investigate without hindrances shows the strength of our democracy,” he said.
“The Phala Phala matter is being probed by more than one public agency following the break in and theft at President’s Phala Phala farm.”
“We take this opportunity to reiterate support for institutions probing Phala Phala farm theft. And emphasis that they must be allowed to do their work. The nature of democracy is that majority rules.”
The independent panel established by Parliament and chaired by retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo has found that Ramaphosa has a case to answer and may have violated his oath of office.
However, a preliminary report by the Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has cleared Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing, while the SA Revenue Service (SARS) says Ramaphosa and his companies are tax compliant.
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