The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) on Tuesday said President Cyril Ramaphosa failed to meet the deadline to respond to queries regarding the theft of money on his Phala Phala farm and alleged subsequent cover-up of the matter.
The PPSA, which is investigating the matter, said Ramaphosa had previously asked for an extension, which has been granted.
The President was supposed to respond on Monday, 18 June 2022, but instead requested another postponement, the PPSA said.
Oupa Segalwe Spokesperson for the PPSA said this time around, Ramaphosa’s request for more time to respond was declined and he was informed accordingly.
“Where the state institution has failed to submit a reply within the timeframes referred to… the Public Protector may direct the state institution concerned to submit a substantive reply, which reply must be received not later than seven days from the date of the directive,” said Segalwe.
The PPSA said it will therefore be invoking its “subpoena powers”.
Segalwe added: “For the purposes of conducting an investigation the Public Protector may direct any person to submit an affidavit or affirmed declaration or to appear before him or her to give evidence or to provide any document in his or her possession or under his or her control which has a bearing on a matter being investigated, and may examine such person”.
The matter of possible breaches of the Executive Code of Ethics surfaced after former Spy Chief Arthur Fraser reported his suspicions to the police in Rosebank.
Fraser alleges that the thieves stole more than US$4 million in the 2020 burglary. He further alleges the President covered up the incident by bribing the suspects.
The PPSA said no further public comments pertaining the matter will be made in an effort to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Ramaphosa has previously denied any wrongdoing.
