Phala Phala: Ramaphosa denies money laundering as investigations continue

Ramaphosa was back in the National Assembly on Thursday, facing questions from Members of Parliament on the details of the robbery.

The president is facing allegations of money laundering, among others, related to the theft of a large amount of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in 2020.  

In June former spy boss Arthur Fraser opened a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa, accusing him of kidnapping, bribery, money laundering and 'concealing a crime' following the theft of a large amount of foreign currency from his private property two years ago.

Ramaphosa's last question and answer session a month ago descended into chaos after opposition parties accused the president of failing to answer questions on the saga.

The MPs were not happy with the manner in which Ramaphosa answered the questions, but the president maintained he cannot go into detail as the issue is the subject of a criminal complaint, and law enforcement must be given an opportunity to investigate.

On Thursday, Ramaphosa told MPs that he was not involved in any money laundering activities.

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He said there are at least eight authorities investigating the matter, which he is fully cooperating with.

"I have said and admitted that there was a theft at the farm, and I reported that to a general of the SAPS, who later informed me that he had reported the matter to another general. That matter is under processing within the police service there are dealing with it.

"I deny that there was any form of money laundering, I have said that it was proceeds of sale of game. I have been a cattle and game farmer for a number of years for a matter that I have disclosed in my disclosures in Parliament.

"That is an activity that sometimes results in the sale of cattle and the sale of animals such as buffalo etc. That is a matter that takes place from time to time. That in my view is not money laundering."

Ramaphosa reiterated his willingness to cooperate with any investigations to the best of his abilities.

"I am willing and prepared to subject myself to all manner of investigations and processes that are unfolding here in Parliament. I will cooperate to the fullest of my ability. The matter has been subjected to a number of investigations by a number of authorities.

"I am willing and prepared to subject myself to the process. My accountability to parliament will culminate in the structure of the Section 89 Committee that has been established by members of the National Assembly where my full cooperation will also be displayed."