By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again denied violating his oath of office regarding the Phala Phala farm scandal after providing his submission on the theft at his farm.
Ramaphosa confirmed on Monday morning that he responded to the independent panel appointed by Parliament to determine whether he has a prime facie case to answer for over Phala Phala.
The President said he met Sunday’s deadline to submit to Parliament’s section 89 independent panel.
In a statement on Monday, The Presidency said Ramaphosa has always made certain that throughout his tenure as the president, he will abide by his oath of office and set an example in his respect for the Constitution, its institutions, due process and the rule of law.
Ramaphosa also “categorically denies that he violated this oath in any way” and denies that he is guilty of any of the allegations made against him.
The panel will now assess if there is sufficient evidence for Parliament to proceed with a section 89 inquiry and must conclude its deliberations within 30 days and report to the National Assembly.
The house must then decide whether to proceed with an inquiry.
If it decides to proceed with an inquiry, the matter must be referred to a specially constituted impeachment committee.
The details of the robbery emerged when former spy boss Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa for not reporting a theft of $4 million (..) from the farm and for trying to cover it up.
Crucial questions remain unanswered with Ramaphosa admitting that the robbery occurred at his farm. But while he has denied wrongdoing, he has failed to answer any relevant questions about the crime.
These questions include why he was in possession of such a large amount of foreign currency and the exact amount.
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago and SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter have been asked to investigate the possibility that the president broke a number of the country’s laws as a result of the claims.
There are also questions on why the crime was not reported to police and to what extent state resources were used in the subsequent cover-up.