President Cyril Ramaphosa says that he has never stolen money from taxpayers. Speaking before an ANC gathering, our president has finally spoken, denying spy boss Arthur Fraser’s charges against him.
Fraser’s charges include the theft of millions of dollars in cash from the president’s farm in Limpopo in February 2020. The monies are said to have been stolen during a robbery. Ramaphosa confirmed this but said that what was stolen was “far less” than what is being said. Ramaphosa is also facing allegations of kidnapping suspects who were allegedly questioned on his property.
“I never have and will never steal from taxpayers… I want to reaffirm that I was not involved in any criminal conduct, and once again I pledge my full cooperation with any form of investigation. Still, due to the investigation, I will not be able to engage deeply or further in the matter. I will let the due process take its course,” claimed Ramaphosa.
I have never stolen money from anyone. My integrity as a leader will never allow me to do so. pic.twitter.com/CTdnj25w6a
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 5, 2022
Ramaphosa is sticking to his original statement, as shared via his spokesperson earlier this week. He says that he is “in the cattle business and in the big game business” which he says has been declared in parliament.
The actual amount of money stolen is still unclear. Ramaphosa dismissed Fraser’s claims that the amount stolen was $4 million (R62 million). Ramaphosa said that the investigation would shed light on this.
The president made a note on corruption, stating that being a leader that gives people “a better life” is what wakes him up every day. But Fraser says that Ramaphosa is part of a cover-up. He’s laid a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa and Presidential Protection Unit head Major-General Wally Rhoode for money laundering, kidnapping and acting in contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, and corruption.
Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen is raising red flags with SARS. He addressed two letters to SARS and the SARB on Friday stating that the incident has raised several concerns in the public domain relating to tax compliance. The African Transformation Movement has also written to the Office of the Public Protector asking for further investigations.
In his address, Ramaphosa said that he will continue to fight corruption. “Some of these things have their own political agenda,” he added.
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Picture: Twitter