Decision to classify Phala Phala report was 'abuse of power'

Experts believe it is to shield Ramaphosa from being held accountable

- MANYANE MANYANE

THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) investigation report into the conduct of members of the Presidential Protection Unit in relation to their involvement in the Phala Phala investigation should "never have been classified".

These are the views of political analysts and security experts, who said the decision to classify the report is a classic example of the "abuse of power to shield President Cyril Ramaphosa from being held accountable".

The 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 President 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:

◆ Tracing and interrogating suspects, including some Namibian nationals, without official jurisdiction or due process.