Phala Phala: organisation faces costs after failed prosecution attempt

ANOTHER attempt to prosecute President Cyril Ramaphosa over the theft of $580 000 in cash from his Phala Phala farm has failed and proved costly for the Society of the Protection of Our Constitution.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

The organisation had summoned Ramaphosa to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate's Court in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).

The organisation had sought an order compelling the Director of Public Prosecutions, Pretoria, Sibongile Mzinyathi, and National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi to secure Ramaphosa’s attendance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court by way of summons as contemplated in the CPA on charges relating to the theft.

According to the Act, the methods of securing the attendance of an accused who is 18 years or older in court for his or her trial are arrest, summons, written notice, and indictment.

The society's case against the president was withdrawn in July 2023, as Ramaphosa believed that the application was not competent.

However, the society could not satisfy Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, Acting Judge Jacques Minnaar, who was unconvinced that the entity should not be ordered to pay costs.