Ramaphosa confirms break-in at his farm, but leaves more questions than answers

By: ANG Reporter 

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Thursday that a robbery incident took place at his farm in Phala Phala in Limpopo in February 2020.

Ramaphosa’s acknowledgement of the incident is consistent with events detailed by former director-general of State Security Agency (SSA) Arthur Fraser in a police affidavit.

In the affidavit, the break-in at Ramaphosa’s farm was captured by security cameras both inside and outside.

Fraser’s evidence given to the police included video footages of the security cameras given to him allegedly by an insider.

“External camera 1 at 22:14 seconds depicting two of the assailants outside the premises and the voice of investigators viewing the footage is annexed hereto on a flash drive marked (AF4),” parts of Fraser’s affidavit read.

In a statement, Ramaphosa said he was made aware through a media statement that Fraser has laid a criminal charge with the South African Police Service against him.

“President Ramaphosa is clear that there is no basis for the claims of criminal conduct that have been made against him in Mr. Fraser’s statement.”

“The Presidency can confirm that a robbery took place at the President’s farm in Limpopo on or around 9 February 2020 in which proceeds from the sale of the game were stolen,” Ramaphosa said.

However, political analyst Sipho Seepe told Africa News Global that the allegations against the President are serious, and should not be taken lightly.

“The allegations against President Ramaphosa are very serious. Arthur Fraser has challenged him to confirm or deny the correctness or otherwise of the allegations. The President has denied the allegations. He however admitted that theft did take place but was quick to indicate that he was out of the country when it took place,” said Seepe.

Seepe added: “What would be of interest is the amount and whether  Ramaphosa is allowed to keep that amount in his property. So far it is unclear.”

Also read: Former spy boss Arthur Fraser spills beans on Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa said he was attending an African Union Summit in Addis Ababa at the time the incident occurred: “On being advised of the robbery, President Ramaphosa reported the incident to the head of the Presidential Protection Unit of the South African Police Service for investigation.”

Ramaphosa vowed to cooperate with any law enforcement investigation on the allegations levelled by Fraser.

The former spy boss alleged that Ramaphosa was in cahoots with criminals who were colluding with his domestic worker.

“The President concealed the crime from the South African Police Service and/or South African Revenue Service (SARS) and thereafter paid the culprits for their silence. The evidence I have shows that the said burglary took place on 9 February 2020. This conduct of the President and those involved constitutes a breach of, inter alia, the Prevention of Organized Crime Act, No. 121 of 1998 (POCA) and the Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act No. 12 of 2004 (“the Corruption Act*).

“The details of the charges and the supporting evidence, including photographs, bank accounts, video footage, and names are contained in my statement filed with the Rosebank Police Station,” Fraser said in an earlier statement that went viral on Wednesday.

Despite Fraser’s allegations, Ramaphosa said he remained resolute in leading the fight against corruption.

Seepe said: “Fraser claims to have photos, bank accounts, and videos to back his allegations. I guess, with the denial by the President he has been dared to produce the evidence that will prove his claims.”

“Unfortunately for Ramaphosa, Fraser’s allegations come at a time when Glencore, a company that is linked to Ramaphosa has been found to have engaged in acts of corruption and bribery. The company has acknowledged as much and is willing to pay the fine. It is inconceivable that a company that acknowledges that it was involved in corruption in a number of countries would have behaved differently in South Africa.”

Added Seepe: “Besides, it is common cause that the Zondo Commission chose to turn a blind eye to the evidence that on the surface seems to implicate Ramaphosa in some wrongdoing.

“The NPA has been reluctant to act on this matter. But it has been quick to prefer frivolous charges against some of the individuals seen to be Ramaphosa’s political opponents,” Seepe said.