By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Hawks have confirmed that two people have been arrested in connection with the theft and housebreaking at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.
The suspects, aged 39 and 30, will appear in the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Tuesday.
They were arrested on Sunday and Monday in Rustenburg and Bela Bela respectively.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said that the pair were arrested on Sunday on charges of housebreaking and theft.
Mogale said the arrest of the third suspect is imminent.
Phala Phala farm made headlines last year after former spy boss Arthur Fraser revealed that thousands of US dollars were stolen at the farm in February 2020.
Fraser alleged Ramaphosa attempted to cover up the theft at the Limpopo farm.
Earlier this year, investigations by the South African Revenue Service, the SA Reserve Bank, and the Public Protector absolved the president of any wrongdoing.
However, an independent panel set up by Parliament found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa had violated his oath of office during and following the robbery.
The Hawks’ criminal investigation related to Phala Phala is ongoing – and investigators are collecting statements to build a docket.
Hawks boss General Godfrey Lebeya said 126 statements had been collected by investigators.
Fraser, opened a kidnapping and money laundering case against Ramaphosa, the Presidential Protection Unit head, Major-General Wally Rhoode, and Crime Intelligence members for allegedly concealing a burglary at Phala Phala in February 2020.