President Cyril Ramaphosa says there is no basis for claims of criminal conduct levelled against him by former State Security Agency (SSA) Director-General Arthur Fraser.
Fraser said on Wednesday (1 June) that he had opened a criminal case against Ramaphosa, accusing him of breaching the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act.
He said the charges he had laid against the President include “defeating the ends of justice, kidnapping of suspects, their interrogation on his property and bribery.” According to him, they emanate from the alleged theft of $4 million at Ramaphosa’s Phala farm in Limpopo.
“The President concealed the crime from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and/or South African Revenue Service (SARS) and thereafter paid the culprits for their silence,” the former spy boss claimed, adding that he had “photographs, bank accounts, video footage and names” as evidence.
Ramaphosa denies Arthur Fraser’s claims
In a statement on Thursday (2 June), the Presidency confirmed that a robbery took place at Ramaphosa’s farm around 9 February 2020 “in which proceeds from the sale of game were stolen.”
“The President was attending an African Union Summit in Addis Ababa at the time the incident occurred. On being advised of the robbery, President Ramaphosa reported the incident to the head of the Presidential Protection Unit of the South African Police Service for investigation,” the Presidency said.
It added that Ramaphosa is ready to cooperate with any law enforcement investigation.
“President Ramaphosa remains resolute in leading the fight against corruption, restoring the integrity and capability of public institutions and overcoming the legacy of state capture, and will not be deterred by disinformation campaigns,” it concluded.
SAPS confirmed on Wednesday that Fraser had opened a case at the Rosebank police station, adding that due processes will follow.
The controversial former spy boss expressed “trust” that SAPS and South Africa’s prosecuting authorities will investigate his allegations “without fear or favour.”
His claims have sparked a fierce debate on social media, with the President’s critic, former MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus, describing them as “utterly shocking.”
However, Ramaphosa ally Derek Hanekom claimed Fraser has “absolutely no credibility,” adding, “Diversion tactics will not keep him out of jail.”