South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been cleared of criminal charges related to a hidden cash scandal that rocked the nation over two years ago. Prosecutors announced on Thursday that he would not face any criminal charges in connection to the discovery of $580,000 in U.S. banknotes hidden in a couch at his ranch, which had sparked a special police investigation.
The allegations against Ramaphosa stemmed from a criminal complaint filed by a former national security chief, Arthur Fraser, in June 2022. Fraser accused the president of involvement in the theft of the cash, which he claimed was hidden to evade foreign currency laws. According to Fraser, Ramaphosa attempted to cover up the theft by orchestrating a scheme involving his presidential protection unit to silence the thieves.
The incident took place at Ramaphosa’s game farm in rural northern South Africa in early 2020, but the details only emerged following Fraser’s accusations. Despite the turmoil it caused and the subsequent criminal investigation, Ramaphosa managed to secure his position and was reelected as the South African leader earlier this year.
Ramaphosa, 71, faced allegations of money laundering, tax evasion, and breaching foreign currency laws. He refuted the claims, stating that the cash was from the legitimate sale of buffaloes at his farm. He reported the theft to the head of his police protection unit but did not clarify why the money was concealed in a couch.
Following a thorough investigation, prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to press charges against Ramaphosa or any members of his security team. The scandal, dubbed “farmgate,” prompted impeachment motions from opposition parties in Parliament, which were ultimately blocked by the ruling African National Congress.
While two men and a woman were arrested and charged in connection to the theft, the allegations against Ramaphosa were viewed by some as politically motivated, given Fraser’s association with former President Jacob Zuma. Zuma, who faced corruption allegations, was succeeded by Ramaphosa in 2018, leading to a rivalry between the two political figures.
The decision not to charge Ramaphosa marks the end of a prolonged investigation that has had significant political ramifications in South Africa. Despite the accusations and scrutiny, the president has emerged from the controversy with his leadership intact, paving the way for a renewed focus on the country’s pressing issues and challenges.