uMkhonto weSizwe’s (MK) deputy president John Hlophe has strongly criticised the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for its decision not to prosecute President Cyril Ramaphosa in relation to the Phala Phala scandal, calling it “nonsensical” and “shocking”.
Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg, Hlophe, a former judge who was impeached, condemned the NPA for its claim that there was no basis to pursue charges of tax evasion against Ramaphosa.
He argued that the decision demonstrated the NPA’s lack of independence and pledged to address the matter in Parliament the following week.
“The NPA’s suggestion that there are no reasonable prospects of prosecuting Ramaphosa is nonsensical,” Hlophe stated.
On Thursday, the NPA confirmed it would not prosecute Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala matter.
The controversy stems from accusations made by former intelligence head Arthur Fraser in 2022, alleging that Ramaphosa and Major General Wally Roode covered up the theft of a large sum of U.S. dollars from a farm in February 2020.
In its statement, the NPA said its decision not to prosecute followed a thorough review of all the evidence provided by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The investigation also explored potential violations of the Income Tax Act of 1962 and Exchange Control Regulations of 1962.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also condemned the NPA’s decision, with spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys accusing key state institutions of protecting Ramaphosa from accountability.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for further clarification from the NPA.
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