Ramaphosa files court bid to review Phala Phala panel report

By Simon Nare

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed papers in the Western Cape High Court seeking to review and set aside the independent panel report into the Phala Phala matter.

Ramaphosa is challenging the legal standard applied by the independent panel, arguing that it relied on an interpretation inconsistent with the law and failed to show there was sufficient evidence to justify impeachment proceedings.

The renewed focus on the Phala Phala saga follows a Constitutional Court ruling that Parliament must follow the correct process in finalising the matter relating to the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s private farm.

Following the ruling, Ramaphosa indicated he would pursue a judicial review, a move that could effectively halt the impeachment process if the court rules in his favour.

In papers filed in the Western Cape High Court, Ramaphosa challenged the panel’s conclusion that there was prima facie evidence against him relating to