By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Prosecuting authorities have announced the withdrawal of money laundering and corruption charges against the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa in connection with the 2020 theft of millions of US dollars from his farmhouse.
Following an investigation by the police’s specialised Hawks unit, the Limpopo prosecutor had “taken a decision not to prosecute anyone”, the authority said in a statement on Thursday. “She (prosecution) concluded that there is no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution based on evidence contained in the docket.”
A former spy boss, Arthur Fraser told police in June 2022 about the incident and accused Ramaphosa of money laundering, corruption and covering up a large theft of foreign currency.
He told police the thieves had raided Ramaphosa’s game farm in February 2020, found at least $4 million in foreign cash hidden in furniture, and made away with the money.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga, more than 150 statements were obtained during the investigation.
But the prosecutor decided that “the available evidence presented to prosecutors cannot sustain any charge”.
The President has admitted a burglary but denied kidnapping and bribery, saying he reported the break-in to the police.
He has also disputed the amount of money involved and said it came from legitimate sales of game from his animal-breeding farm.
On Monday, three persons were arraigned in connection with the scandal that has been dubbed “farmgate”.
Imanuwela David, Ndilinasho Joseph and Froliana Joseph who appeared at a regional court in Limpopo province are facing charges of house breaking and theft. The case has been adjourned till Nov. 26.
