South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the media amid calls for his resignation over the Phala Phala scandal.
A South African court has temporarily halted impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the 2020 theft of more than $580,000 hidden at his Phala Phala farm. The Western Cape High Court’s ruling pauses the process while Ramaphosa challenges the parliamentary report that found he has a case to answer. Investigators have questioned why such large sums were hidden in furniture, where the money originated, whether foreign currency was properly declared, and why the theft wasn’t reported to police immediately. Although the impeachment committee may continue preparatory work, formal proceedings cannot move forward until the court review concludes. Ramaphosa welcomed the decision, saying through his office that he would continue cooperating with accountability processes. Known as the “Phala-Phala scandal,” the saga has dogged his presidency since 2018. Political parties said they would review the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.
AP