Political analysts and security experts say the classification of the IPID investigation report into the conduct of members of the Presidential Protection Unit in relation to their involvement in the Phala Phala investigation, announced by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, is an example of abuse of power. The investigation report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) regarding the behavior of Presidential Protection Unit members concerning their participation in the Phala Phala investigation should “never have been classified.” The decision to classify the report is a classic example of the “abuse of power to shield President Cyril Ramaphosa from being held accountable,” according to political analysts and security experts. The scandal became public in June 2022 when former State Security Agency head Arthur Fraser filed a criminal complaint, alleging that around $4 million (later reported as closer to $580,000) in undeclared foreign currency was stolen and that Ramaphosa arranged a clandestine recovery operation without officially reporting the crime.
The allegations included money laundering, tax evasion, and abuse of state resources. The Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) is central to allegations, particularly concerning the conduct of its head, Major-General Wally Rhoode, who allegedly led an off-the-books investigation into the theft of foreign currency from President Ramaphosa’s farm. Instead of a formal police case, Ramaphosa reportedly instructed Rhoode, head of the PPU, to investigate the matter. This investigation allegedly involved: – Tracing and interrogating suspects, including some Namibian nationals, without official jurisdiction or due process.
