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FARMGATE

Cyril Ramaphosa ‘itching’ to speak about Phala Phala robbery, says Mondli Gungubele

Minister in the presidency responsible for State Security, Mondli Gungubele fiercely defended the President on Monday evening. He characterised the President as someone with high morals and as respectful of the law and urged attendees to allow the investigation into the high-profile theft case to unfold. 
Cyril Ramaphosa ‘itching’ to speak about Phala Phala robbery, says Mondli Gungubele Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency speaks during an evening of conversation with the Presidency at Sanctuary Mandela on 1 August 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event was hosted by the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF). (Photo: Gallo Images / Sydney Seshibedi)
Queenin Masuabi
By Queenin Masuabi
2 Aug 2022
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Minister in the Presidency Mondi Gungubele said President Cyril Ramaphosa was “itching” to speak about the Phala Phala matter but could not do so due to the pending police investigation into the matter. 

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande have also previously come out to defend the president. 

“The moment where you are confronted with legal questions that are not homogenous, there are moments where you are confronted with questions which have signs of entrapment. Those questions are very careful when dealing with them. Because you may answer a question in the midst of something you do not know. As personal if there is, okay, then you know, what to call in your absence? That’s why I understand what the President says, ‘I was ready to express my views’, but I will advise you that I take it easy until investigations are done. And so the whole matter  is clear.” 

Addressing journalists at a dinner engagement with the presidency convened by the SA National Editors Forum, Gungubele further batted for the president and mentioned how he had dealt with previous legal battles without interfering. Ramaphosa has been in court over the bank records of his 2017  ANC presidential campaign — where he was accused of vote buying. 

Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency speaks during an evening of conversation with the Presidency at Sanctuary Mandela on 1 August 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event was hosted by the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef). (Photo: Gallo Images / Sydney Seshibedi)
Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency speaks during an evening of conversation with the Presidency at Sanctuary Mandela on 1 August 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event was hosted by the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef). (Photo: Gallo Images / Sydney Seshibedi)

“This president, you know, he’s been confronted with legal questions taken to court on a number of issues. He’s never dilly-dallied. He’s never even said this conspiracy, even when vindicated by the courts. He never said I told you so, everything he has done, has demonstrated that he respects the Zondo Commission put online without editing, put it online without the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) column saying my respect for the president is based on what I know, not what is going to come up with investigations, which I don't know,” he said.

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-06-12-ramaphosas-farmgate-scandal-a-timeline-of-what-we-know-and-dont-know-so-far/

The forex theft matter on Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo became public knowledge when former State Security Agency boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges. He accused the President of defeating the ends of justice, kidnapping and money laundering. 

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-01-papa-j-and-prince-the-men-roped-into-phala-phala-burglary-masterminds-escape-to-namibia/

The former spy boss claims that large undisclosed sums of US dollars were unlawfully removed by burglars from Ramaphosa’s premises. He then accused Ramaphosa of concealing what happened at the farm instead of reporting the matter to the police. Fraser accuses the president of having unlawfully instructed the head of the Presidential Protection Unit Wally Rhoode to investigate it. Ramaphosa is alleged to have paid suspects, including his domestic workers, R150,000 each to not reveal that they had been kidnapped and interrogated.

Recent reports have, however, suggested that Rhoode has denied some of the allegations. Rhoode’s affidavit to the Public Protector’s offices says that he was not involved in the kidnapping or torturing or paying bribes to the alleged culprits in order to buy their silence.

Ipid to probe misconduct of police in Phala Phala matter

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) on 2 August 2022, confirmed that it would probe the alleged misconduct of the police officers who were involved in the case.

“Ipid will probe the alleged conduct of the police officers in terms of the SAPS regulation while the Hawks is investigating the criminal element by the SAPS officials which includes amongst others, defeating the ends of justice and kidnapping. Ipid will pronounce on the outcome when the investigation is complete,” according to a statement by Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping.

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-01-police-watchdog-ipid-to-probe-top-cops-conduct-in-phala-phala-scandal/

This comes after the African Transformation Movement (ATM) submitted a detailed statement which was in line with their request for Ipid to investigate the matter. 

“After an in-depth analysis of the ATM party request to investigate the alleged conduct of the police regarding the Phala Phala Farm matter, Ipid has established that the complaint from the party was based on the statement of Mr Arthur Fraser, which has been circulating in the media space. The same complaint is under investigation by the Hawks and the directorate is in constant contact with the team from the Hawks that is assigned to probe the same allegations,” the statement read. 

In a letter dated 21 June 2022, addressed to Ipid executive director Jennifer Ntlatseng, ATM leader Vuyo Zungula raised concerns about the damning allegation that newly appointed Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and his predecessor, Khehla Sithole, were aware of the details surrounding the burglary. 

Zungula then highlighted the involvement of other key figures as mentioned in reports by News24. Presidential Protection Unit head Wally Rhoode — who is said to have worked with then Crime Intelligence boss Peter Jacobs — as well as high-ranking officials and the Special Task Force were also covertly investigating the matter. DM

Comments (6)

steve woodhall Aug 2, 2022, 05:43 PM

Remember that Cyril is a fisherman, and good fishermen don't strike until they are sure the hook is well set. To mix the hunting analogies, those who call him the Buffalo might have read their Hemingway on what happens if a hunter wings one but fails to kill it. This is to me an obvious frame-up by Arthur Fraser, who clearly thought he had Cyril firmly in his sights. So he pulled the trigger, but ineffectually. He failed to mortally wound the Buffalo, and may be about to be gored as a result. Looking forward to hearing the full story.

Peter Dexter Aug 3, 2022, 04:54 PM

I agree with you. I would be very surprised if the whole thing wasn’t set up by Arthur Fraser and his SSA buddies. All set up in 2020 to be used just before the ANC elective conference. The fact that one of JZ’s best friends was involved in the burglary, adds credibility to the theory.

Malcolm McManus Aug 4, 2022, 09:13 AM

The reality is the average South African couldn't care less about the Presidents fishing skills. They are more concerned about having a strong leader with a good moral compass. He is no Buffalo either, but rather a lame duck of a President. He has the blood of the ANC in him so I am inclined to be rather suspicious of the money under the mattress. Time will tell, but no matter the outcome, Few people in the ANC who do wrong, ever face the music.

Rg Bolleurs Aug 2, 2022, 06:46 PM

You're kidding. He can't possibly be itching to tell us about sewing cash into the furniture.

steve woodhall Aug 3, 2022, 06:01 PM

The only 'sewing' being done here was Cyril being stitched up by Frazer and his spooks. I bet every one of them was in the pay of the spooks led by Fraser, including that housekeeper. I agree with what Johan Buys says below. Cyril won't say anything until he's good and ready.

Brett Trollip Aug 2, 2022, 10:18 PM

It really pains me that there always has to be cloak and dagger nonsense. The truth is just that and no legal system in the world can change it. Mr President. If we are in fact your people the cut the BS and lets put this matter to be one way or another. Is anyone actually focused on taking this country forward or is that not part of the agenda. Do the work for which I (hopefully one of your people) pay your salary.

Johan Buys Aug 3, 2022, 12:46 AM

“The moment where you are confronted with legal questions that are not homogenous, there are moments where you are confronted with questions which have signs of entrapment. Those questions are very careful when dealing with them. Because you may answer a question in the midst of something you do not know. As personal if there is, okay, then you know, what to call in your absence? That’s why I understand what the President says, ‘I was ready to express my views’, but I will advise you that I take it easy until investigations are done. And so the whole matter is clear.” Que?

dou Aug 3, 2022, 10:52 AM

Lets never forget it is the same Cyril Rhamaposa that years ago used the fable of the frog in the boiling pot of water to describe what he and the ANC was going to do the minority groups, particularly whites, in SA. He is no less calculated than Arthur Frazer and frankly when 'birds of a feather flocks together' you are naive in the extreme if you believe that he is ever going to disclose his 'CASH' game farming transactions and just how much indirect and direct tax he paid on those.

Johan Buys Aug 4, 2022, 06:10 PM

Am I the only one that is extremely irritated by the DA and a few others joining the EFF and RET faction of ANC in calling for CR removal over an issue that has no link to taxpayer funds? The DA is again opening its mouth to change what foot it is shooting the nation in. Exactly who would replace CR??????? Strategy does matter!!!!