Criminal Charges Laid Against President Cyril Ramaphosa Over Phala Phala Matter

ActionSA can confirm that it has today laid criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa in relation to the Phala Phala matter.

The charges relate to:

1. Alleged contravention of Section 34(1)(b) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities
   Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA);
2. Perjury; and
3. Fraud.

These charges arise from serious concerns regarding the alleged concealment and under-disclosure of the true amount of money stolen during the burglary at the President’s Phala Phala farm. According to information now in the public domain, the amount allegedly stolen may have been significantly higher than what has previously been disclosed publicly, with reports placing the value at no less than R15 million, substantially above the widely cited figure of approximately USD580,000, or roughly R8.75 million at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the burglary.

ActionSA further notes with serious concern reports that cash flow analyses conducted by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on one of the accused implicated in the Phala Phala burglary have already raised questions regarding the true extent of the funds involved. Should similar analyses be conducted in respect of the remaining accused, South Africans may well be confronted with an even more disturbing picture regarding the scale of the funds connected to this matter and the transactions surrounding it.

These developments reinforce ActionSA’s long-standing view that the South African public has not been told the full truth about Phala Phala.

Section 34 of PRECCA imposes a clear legal obligation on persons in positions of authority to report corruption and related offences involving amounts above the prescribed threshold. Any deliberate failure to accurately disclose material information relating to such offences raises serious legal and constitutional concerns. Similarly, statements made under oath must be truthful, complete, and accurate. Where material facts are intentionally misrepresented or concealed under oath, this may constitute perjury.

ActionSA also believes that any deliberate misrepresentation regarding the amount stolen – particularly where such conduct may have had the effect of obscuring the true nature or extent of the offence under investigation may amount to fraud and undermine the integrity of the criminal justice process itself.

South Africa cannot continue down a path where accountability depends on political status or public office. The rule of law must apply equally to all, including the President of the Republic. The Presidency cannot become insulated from scrutiny simply because accountability becomes politically inconvenient.

South Africans deserve the truth, and the institutions tasked with uncovering that truth must be allowed to function freely, independently, and without fear, favour, or political interference.

This matter extends far beyond one individual. It strikes at the heart of constitutional governance, public trust in the Presidency, and confidence in the integrity of state institutions.

ActionSA will continue pursuing accountability through all lawful constitutional mechanisms available and will continue insisting that the criminal justice system be allowed to process this matter independently and without interference.

South Africans deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability especially from the highest office in the Republic.

ActionSA Herman Mashaba (President) Before politics, he founded Black Like Me in 1985, a household hair-care brand in South Africa. Served as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg (2016–2019) under a DA-led coalition. Resigned from both the Mayoralty and the DA in 2019, citing a lack of support for pro-poor service delivery and policy differences, leading directly to the birth of ActionSA.