Police Minister Senzo Mchunu IPID’s ‘top secret’ report fuels calls for transparency as EFF criticises the classification.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned what they describe as a deliberate and coordinated effort to protect President Cyril Ramaphosa from accountability in the Phala Phala scandal.
The party criticised the classification of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report, finalised in October 2023, as “top secret,” calling it blatant and part of a broader pattern of institutional capture aimed at shielding Ramaphosa from scrutiny.
This follows an inquiry by the African Transformation Movement (ATM) President Vuyo Zungula, who questioned the timeline for the police directorate’s release of the finalised report, the reasons for delays, and the current status of the report.
Mchunu responded, saying: “IPID has completed its investigation and the recommendation report was referred to [SA Police Service] SAPS on October 3, 2023, for implementation.
“IPID received the outcome from SAPS and was satisfied with the response. The investigation report has been classified ‘top secret’ under paragraph 3.4.4 of the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS), and as such, until it is declassified, it will not be released for public consumption.”
Regarding the report’s delay, Mchunu stated that it was impermissible to make the classified report available for ATM’s request.
“In essence, there is no delay in making the report available, but it is not allowed to be made available,” he added.
The Phala Phala saga began in June 2022 when former State Security Agency Director-General Arthur Fraser lodged a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa, Major-General Wally Rhoode, and others.
The allegations stemmed from the discovery of large sums of foreign currency hidden in furniture at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, money that was not declared to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), as required by law.
The official explanation is that the money was a deposit for buffalo purchased by a Sudanese businessman who never collected the animals which has been widely questioned. Reports suggest that law enforcement and state institutions have delayed, dismissed, or classified findings in ways that protect the President.
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The EFF argues that multiple institutions, including SARB, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Public Protector’s office under Kholeka Gcaleka, have systematically failed to hold Ramaphosa accountable.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also declined to prosecute, reinforcing what the EFF calls “selective justice” in favor of the political elite.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo stated: “The classification of the IPID report as ‘top secret’ is just the latest chapter in this systematic cover-up. The Police Minister’s refusal to release it is an insult to democracy and a direct assault on transparency and accountability.”
A turning point in the case was the Section 89 Independent Panel, led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, which found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa had violated the Constitution and engaged in conduct that could justify his impeachment.
However, in December 2022, the ANC used its parliamentary majority to block the process, arguing that other investigations were still underway. The EFF maintains that these investigations have been manipulated or indefinitely delayed to suppress the truth.
With all other avenues exhausted, the EFF and ATM approached the Constitutional Court, challenging Parliament’s decision to dismiss the Section 89 report and vote against establishing an inquiry.
The parties await the court’s judgment, hoping it will compel Parliament to reconsider the impeachment process.
Tambo emphasised that the fight against corruption and impunity is ongoing, stating: “We will consider all options, including but not limited to approaching the courts to compel the declassification and release of the IPID report. The EFF remains committed to ensuring that no one, not even the President, is above the law.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL Politics