Ramaphosa Ranch Theft: Extradition Orders Sought for More Suspects

Prosecutors in South Africa are seeking extradition orders and the arrest of more suspects in the 2020 theft of $580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosas ranch. The scandal led to investigations and an impeachment vote, but Ramaphosa was cleared of wrongdoing.

Prosecutors in South Africa are seeking extradition orders and the arrest of additional suspects in connection with the 2020 theft of approximately $580,000 in US currency from a couch at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game ranch.

Theft Scandal Engulfs Ramaphosa

The theft, which came to light in 2022, embroiled Ramaphosa in a scandal and prompted an investigation by financial authorities. Although he was cleared of any wrongdoing, he faced an impeachment vote in Parliament due to the incident. However, he survived the vote due to the majority held by his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party.

Questions Raised Over Undeclared Foreign Currency

Ramaphosa's political opponents accused him of tax evasion and money laundering regarding the money concealed at his ranch in the Limpopo province. The discovery of the cash stashed in a couch raised concerns about whether Ramaphosa had properly declared the foreign currency.

Ramaphosa Denies Wrongdoing

Ramaphosa maintained that the money originated from the sale of buffalos and vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Consequently, two men and a woman were apprehended and charged with the theft.

Extradition Process Initiated

During a hearing on Friday in the northern town of Bela-Bela, Prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai disclosed that an extradition process had been initiated to bring additional suspects to South Africa. However, he refrained from specifying the number of suspects or their potential locations.

Scandal Damages Ramaphosa's Image

The scandal significantly tarnished Ramaphosa's reputation, particularly considering his election in 2019 on a platform of eradicating corruption within the ANC-led government. Reports suggest that he even contemplated resignation due to the matter.

Ramaphosa Seeks Second Term Amid ANC Challenges

Ramaphosa intends to seek a second and final five-year term in the upcoming national election scheduled for May 29. The ANC is anticipated to face its most formidable challenge in three decades of governing South Africa, with several polls indicating that the party may fall below 50% of the vote for the first time in a national election. This outcome would necessitate the formation of a coalition to retain power.

ANC to Launch Election Manifesto

The ANC is set to unveil its election manifesto on Saturday at a sports stadium in the eastern city of Durban.