'Ramaphosa security head bribed Phala Phala suspects'

A damning report by South Africa's police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), has found that senior officials linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa's security detail allegedly used unlawful methods, including bribery, to conceal aspects of the 2020 burglary at Phala Phala farm.

The report, which was declassified following a legal challenge by ActionSA, concludes that Major General Wally Rhoode, head of the presidential protection unit, led an operation that bypassed formal policing procedures after the theft of approximately R8 million in foreign currency.

According to IPID, instead of opening an official case docket, Rhoode and his team conducted what it described as a "parallel investigation" outside legal authority. The process allegedly included unlawful detention, interrogation of suspects, and attempts to suppress information about the incident.

Among the key findings, the report states there was "bribery of suspects to conceal the events that took place at Phala Phala on 09 February 2020," as well as unlawful apprehension and interrogation of individuals linked to the case.

IPID further found that no formal case was registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the time, and that official protocols for investigating crime were not followed.

The report also alleges misuse of state resources, including travel, accommodation, and surveillance activities conducted under the guise of VIP protection duties. It states that these actions amounted to fruitless and wasteful expenditure and misrepresentation of official duties.

Senior presidential advisor Bejani Chauke is also identified as a person of interest, with IPID noting his presence during parts of the operation and suggesting he benefited from state resources without proper authorisation under VIP protection rules.

Additional findings include failure to report a crime, conducting investigations without lawful mandate, and falsification of official records. The watchdog also noted that the burglary incident was not reflected in SAPS' annual report for the 2020/21 financial year.

IPID has recommended disciplinary action against Major General Rhoode and Constable HH Rekhoto, stating that their conduct "detrimentally affects the image of the Service" and warrants expedited internal proceedings.

The report has intensified political debate in South Africa over accountability, security protocol breaches, and the handling of the Phala Phala farm burglary, which has remained a contentious national issue since it first emerged.