By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Constitutional Court has dismissed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to challenge parliament’s report, which found He may have broken anti-corruption laws.
Ramaphosa wanted the apex court to review the findings of the independent panel report, which found that he may have committed serious violations of the constitution and anti-corruption laws.
Ramaphosa had filed an application in the apex court arguing that the panel misunderstood its mandate.
The independent panel, set up by Parliament, found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa had violated his oath of office during and following the robbery at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo in February 2020.
The court unanimously dismissed the application citing that the case has no exclusive jurisdiction or direct access.
“The Constitutional Court has considered the application brought by way of exclusive jurisdiction or, alternatively by way of direct access (main application) and the application to intervene.
“It has concluded that no case has been made out for exclusive jurisdiction or direct access and the main application must been dismissed. Consequently, the application falls to be dismissed.”
The court has decided not to award costs.
The apex court’s ruling means the president will have to turn to the High Court if he wishes to challenge the report.
In December, the National Assembly voted to reject the adoption of the impeachment inquiry aimed at holding Ramaphosa accountable for allegedly concealing the theft of the funds at his farm.
A National Assembly majority voted to reject the report and the establishment of an impeachment inquiry to hold Ramaphosa accountable for allegedly concealing a burglary at his game farm.