Ramaphosa is not to be charged in the “Farmgate” scandal by South African prosecutors

South African prosecutors have declined to file charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa for a larceny from his game farm that nearly resulted in his dismissal two years ago.

The “Farmgate” scandal was revealed in June 2022 when a former intelligence official disclosed the incident to the police and accused Ramaphosa of corruption, money laundering, and concealing the theft.

Ramaphosa, who prior to his election as president was a wealthy industrialist, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Limpopo province issued a statement late on Thursday, stating that the decision not to prosecute was made after a thorough evaluation of all available evidence presented to the prosecutors.

The statement stated that there was no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution based on the available evidence.

Ramaphosa was cleared of a potential conflict of interest related to the incident, in which thieves allegedly stole substantial amounts of foreign currency concealed in furniture on his Phala Phala game farm in 2020, by the country’s anti-corruption commission last year.

In late 2022, Ramaphosa’s future was uncertain following the discovery of evidence suggesting that he may have engaged in malfeasance related to the scandal. Nevertheless, his party united to prevent the initiation of an impeachment process, and he was subsequently re-elected for an additional five years as the leader of the African National Congress party.

Ramaphosa has acknowledged that a break-in occurred at the farm in Limpopo; however, he has stated that the sum taken was significantly less than that claimed by the former intelligence official and was derived from the sale of game.

This week, three individuals who are suspected of being involved in the break-in were in court. Their case was adjourned until the following month.