Parliament’s impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken another turn, with the committee leading the investigation refusing to rule out an inspection of the controversial Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.
The possibility of lawmakers visiting the property emerged as the 31-member Impeachment Committee continued shaping the rules that will guide Parliament’s first-ever impeachment inquiry.
While no final decision has been made, committee chairperson Magashule Gana said the option remained firmly on the table if it becomes necessary to test the evidence.
The renewed calls follow demands from MK Party MP Andile Mngxitima, who argued that a visit to the farm at the centre of the allegations is essential to the committee’s work.
“As a matter of principle… this committee considers going to Phala Phala itself,” Mngxitima said.
The investigation stems from the 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa’s private game farm, where between R9.5 million and R10 million in foreign currency was officially reported stolen.
The incident sparked widespread political controversy and ultimately led to impeachment proceedings being initiated against the president.
Although Gana said there was no need to include a site visit in the committee’s formal terms of reference, he stressed that members would consider every relevant request if it became necessary during the inquiry.
“When we consider the veracity of the charges, if that’s required, we will then deal with it when we get there,” he said.
Gana stated: “But no evidence will be disregarded”.
The inquiry remains restricted from holding public hearings under an existing court order, with another legal battle expected as the matter heads to the Constitutional Court.
A judgment in the burglary trial is expected in November.
IOL Politics