By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A request by the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) for Parliament to set up an inquiry into the Phala Phala saga has been referred to an independent panel.
This was confirmed by National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Friday.
The ATM submitted a proposed motion to Mapisa-Nqakula in June, requesting an inquiry into the removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In her response to the ATM who had filed their initial request for a Section 89 inquiry to be set up to probe the allegations, and had to file another application, Mapisa-Nqakula said the subsequent request had been successful.
She said: “Now that the motion complied with the Rule, the other steps as per the rules will follow, including the appointment of the independent panel.”
The panel will decide whether Ramaphosa has a case to answer on the allegations of money laundering, among others, related to a robbery at his Phala Phala farm.
The president is facing allegations of money laundering, among others, related to the theft of a large amount of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in 2020.
President spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that presidency received a letter from speaker of the Parliament and the president will corporate with the parliamentary process.