The recent ruling by the Constitutional Court on the suspension of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has caused quite a stir in South Africa.
The court overturned a previous High Court ruling that declared Mkhwebane’s suspension invalid, stating that there was no evidence of conflict of interest or personal gain on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s part.
According to Deputy Chief Justice Maya, Mkhwebane’s suspension was simply a precautionary measure to allow the acting Public Protector to continue ongoing investigations. Mkhwebane is unaffected by this decision, as she continues to receive her salary and has ample time to prepare her defense during the Section 194 inquiry.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) vehemently disagrees with this ruling. They argue that the suspension was a direct response to Mkhwebane’s investigation into President Cyril Ramaphosa, which exposed alleged corruption and abuse of power. The Western High Court had previously justified the suspension on these grounds.
The ConCourt Upholds Public Protector’s Suspension
Furthermore, the EFF believes that under President Ramaphosa’s leadership, there is an alarming lack of accountability and transparency. They claim that no law enforcement agency or accountability-seeking entity, including the judiciary, can freely investigate the President’s alleged wrongdoings.
The EFF’s concerns extend to President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm. They believe that there are restrictions placed on any investigations related to this farm, indicating that even the judiciary is unable to act independently.
This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between the EFF and President Ramaphosa’s administration. The EFF has consistently criticized the President, accusing him of promoting a culture of corruption and shielding those in power from accountability.
“Despite compelling evidence of criminal activity on the farm and the subsequent investigation, neither the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), nor the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have been able to hold him accountable.”
“Additionally, it has become clear that President Ramaphosa intentionally appointed Advocate caleka as a replacement for Mkhwebane, leading to the release of a questionable report that absurdly absolves him of any conflict of interest.”
“This stands in contrast to the findings of the Section 89 Independent Panel, headed by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, which presented compelling and logical arguments supporting the belief that Cyril Ramaphosa violated the South African Constitution in relation to the crimes associated with Phala Phala Farm.”
“The Phala Phala Farm scandal remains a severe case of corruption and a direct attack on South Africa’s financial laws and justice system. The EFF maintains its steadfast dedication to holding President Ramaphosa accountable for his wrongdoing.”
CENTRAL NEWS
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