'Abuse of power' behind sealing of IPID Phala Phala report – expert

THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) decision to classify the report into the conduct of members of the Presidential Protection Unit in relation to their involvement in the Phala Phala was 'abuse of power to shield President Cyril Ramaphosa from being held accountable.

- MANYANE MANYANE

That is the view of political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu after reports that acting police minister Firoz Cachalia had stated that IPID is contemplating revising the classification status of the report, which has been designated as “Top Secret”.

Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal became public in June 2022 when former State Security Agency head Arthur Fraser filed a criminal complaint, alleging that around $4 million (later reported as closer to $580 000) in undeclared foreign currency was stolen and that Ramaphosa arranged a clandestine recovery operation without officially reporting the crime.

The allegations included money laundering, tax evasion, and abuse of state resources.

The Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) is central to allegations, particularly concerning the conduct of its head, Major-General Wally Rhoode, who allegedly led an off-the-books investigation into the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa's farm.

Instead of a formal police case, Ramaphosa reportedly instructed Rhoode, head of the PPU, to investigate the matter. This investigation allegedly involved: