South African president mounts legal challenge against report that could lead to impeachment

Cyril Ramaphosa argues that the authors of the report "misconceived" their mandate.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces potential impeachment over a scandal involving $580,000 in cash hidden in a sofa at his game farm, which was stolen in 2020. The scandal became public in 2022 when a former intelligence chief reported it, alleging money laundering and misconduct. Ramaphosa admitted the theft occurred but defended himself, claiming the cash came from a legitimate buffalo sale and was hidden for safekeeping by a staff member.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lodged a formal application in the Western Cape High Court to review the Phala Phala Independent Panel report. In the 63-page application, Ramaphosa has asked the court to review and set aside the report, particularly its recommendation in paragraph 264.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed court papers seeking to have the independent panel’s report into the Phala Phala scandal reviewed, declared unlawful and set aside. He also warns that if parliament proceeds with an impeachment inquiry based on the report before his legal challenge is resolved, he will seek an interdict to halt the process.

The leader of Africa’s most developed economy is facing impeachment proceedings over a scandal from years ago involving around $580,000 in cash that was stashed in a sofa at his game farm and ... . South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ... .

President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a fresh legal bid in the Western Cape High Court to overturn the 2022 independent panel report that found prima facie evidence he may have committed serious misconduct and violated the Constitution in relation to the Phala Phala farm scandal, as parliament moves closer to constituting an impeachment committee following a Constitutional Court ruling earlier this year.