The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced its intention to urgently request a review of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decision not to prosecute anyone in connection with the controversial Phala Phala farm burglary. This decision was made by the NPA’s Limpopo division, following what it described as a comprehensive investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The announcement by the NPA came on 9 October, when advocate Mukhali Thenga, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, stated there was no reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution based on the evidence gathered.
DA Demands Review of NPA’s Phala Phala Decision
In a press statement, the NPA reiterated that the decision was made after thoroughly evaluating all available evidence. Thenga concluded that the evidence presented in the case, including surveillance footage and mobile phone records, did not meet the threshold for a successful prosecution.
However, the DA is not satisfied with this outcome. Glynnis Breytenbach, the DA’s spokesperson on justice and constitutional development, argued that the matter cannot simply be closed without further scrutiny. She highlighted the significance of the Phala Phala scandal and called for a full interrogation of the reasons behind the decision.
According to Breytenbach, the public deserves clarity on how the NPA reached its conclusion, especially given the presence of critical evidence. “The NPA, and specifically advocate Batohi, have a serious constitutional duty to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done. The implications of this decision for the rule of law in South Africa are too great for it to be accepted without greater transparency,” she stated. Breytenbach emphasised that the DA would not rest until the decision is reviewed and that advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, must fulfil her constitutional obligations.
EFF Accuses State Institutions of Protecting Ramaphosa
In addition to the DA’s objections, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also voiced their criticism of the NPA’s decision. The EFF suggested that key state institutions are working to shield President Cyril Ramaphosa from being held accountable for the alleged crimes linked to the Phala Phala scandal.
The EFF likened Ramaphosa’s situation to that of former president Jacob Zuma, stating that while Ramaphosa may currently receive protection from state institutions, the same bodies could later turn against him once he leaves office, just as they did with Zuma. The EFF reiterated its commitment to holding Ramaphosa accountable, vowing that they would not rest until he faces the consequences.
The Road Ahead
The Phala Phala scandal has continued to stir political tensions in South Africa, with opposition parties like the DA and EFF refusing to let the matter rest. The DA’s call for the NPA to review its decision is a significant step that could lead to further investigations or legal proceedings. Given the magnitude of the allegations and the political pressure, this case is unlikely to fade away any time soon.
Comments