A South African court on Friday ordered a temporary suspension of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the controversial discovery of a large sum of foreign currency hidden at his Phala Phala game farm.
The Western Cape High Court granted Ramaphosa’s application to halt the parliamentary process while it considers his request to review an independent panel’s 2022 report, which concluded that he may have violated the Constitution and committed serious misconduct.
Delivering the ruling, Judge Andre le Grange directed the parliamentary impeachment committee to suspend its public hearings until the court determines the president’s review application.
Court Pauses Parliamentary Action
The impeachment process stems from allegations that Ramaphosa failed to properly report the 2020 theft of about $580,000 from his luxury Phala Phala ranch in Limpopo Province.
The president has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting he reported the burglary to the police and that the money represented proceeds from the sale of 20 buffaloes. He has also rejected calls to resign over the controversy.
Origins of the Scandal
The allegations were brought by a former South African intelligence chief and ally of former President Jacob Zuma. The complainant claimed Ramaphosa concealed the theft from police and tax authorities and alleged that as much as $4 million had been stolen from the property.
The claims triggered investigations and prompted an independent parliamentary panel to examine the matter.
Ramaphosa Pledges Cooperation
Following Friday’s ruling, Ramaphosa said he remained committed to the rule of law and constitutional governance.
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In a statement, the presidency said the president respected the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers, adding that he would continue to cooperate with all accountability processes.
Legal Battle Continues
The High Court is expected to hear Ramaphosa’s application in September, when he will seek to overturn the findings of the independent panel.
Although South Africa’s National Assembly voted in 2022 against launching impeachment proceedings—thanks to the majority held by Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC)—the country’s Constitutional Court overturned that parliamentary decision in May 2026, paving the way for the establishment of an impeachment committee.
Meanwhile, public prosecutors had already dropped criminal charges related to the case in 2024.
If the impeachment process eventually proceeds, Ramaphosa would become the first sitting South African president to face such proceedings.
Source: AFP
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.