Organisation that took Ramaphosa to court over Phala Phala scandal faces huge legal costs

IN 2022, hot on the heels of the start of the Phala Phala scandal, an organisation that calls itself The Society for the Protection of our Constitution (applicant), launched court proceedings for President Cyril Ramaphosa to be held accountable.

- ZELDA VENTER

But the organisation, which meanwhile withdrew the application, is now facing the legal bill.

The matter was initially brought before the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in which the applicant cited the president and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

It, among others, wanted the court to compel the NPA to prosecute the president in relation to Phala Phala.

Ramaphosa has meanwhile been cleared by the ANC’s Integrity Commission while the NPA declined to pursue criminal charges on his involvement in the matter.

The Phala Phala scandal revolves around the 2020 theft of a large sum of foreign currency hidden in couches ($580000 or R8.7 million at the time) at Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo.

Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing.