South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will not face criminal charges over a hidden cash scandal that came to light more than two years ago. The scandal involved the theft of $580,000 in U.S. banknotes that were hidden in a couch at the president's ranch. A former national security chief accused Ramaphosa of kidnapping, bribery, and other crimes related to the theft.
The former security boss alleged that Ramaphosa had kept the cash hidden to evade foreign currency laws and attempted to cover up the theft by having his presidential protection unit track down the thieves, kidnap them, and bribe them to remain silent about the money's existence.
The theft occurred at Ramaphosa's game farm in rural northern South Africa in early 2020 but was only revealed when the former security chief made the allegations. Despite the accusations, Ramaphosa denied any wrongdoing, stating that the cash came from the legitimate sale of buffaloes at his farm.
Ramaphosa reported the theft to the head of his police protection unit but did not provide an explanation for why the money was hidden in the couch. Following a comprehensive investigation, prosecutors announced that no charges would be brought against Ramaphosa or his security detail.
The scandal, dubbed 'farmgate,' led to an impeachment motion against Ramaphosa in Parliament, which was ultimately blocked by his African National Congress party. Two men and a woman, including a farm worker, were arrested and charged with breaking and entering and theft in connection to the incident.
Some viewed the allegations against Ramaphosa as politically motivated, given the close ties between the former security chief and ex-President Jacob Zuma. Zuma, who faced corruption allegations, was succeeded by Ramaphosa in 2018, leading to a political rivalry between the two.
