Man convicted for undeclared US dollars but Phala Phala case not pursued

THE conviction and sentencing of Mohammed Ameen who was caught with more than half a million in undeclared US dollars has fuelled the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) determination to ensure that President Cyril Ramaphosa answers for the money that was concealed in a couch on his farm.

- NICOLA DANIELS

Ameen aged 45, was recently found guilty after entering into a plea agreement with the State on charges of money laundering and contravention of Exchange Control Regulations - charges that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) refused to pursue against Ramaphosa for the Phala Phala incident.

The charges against Ameen stem from October 11, 2017, when he was intercepted by South African Customs Services while seated in the international departures business lounge at Cape Town International Airport. A search of his luggage revealed undeclared cash consisting of $544 200 (about R10 million) and R2955 000 in South African currency. He was en route to Dubai and was arrested following the discovery.

The Phala Phala scandal broke in 2023 when reports emerged that thousands of US dollars kept at Ramaphosa’s farm were stolen during a 2020 break-in. The money was apparently concealed in a couch instead of being declared and banked according to the legal requirements.