Key facts
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa won a court challenge to halt a parliamentary impeachment process.
- The High Court ruled on Friday, suspending the impeachment committee's work.
- The impeachment process was related to misconduct allegations stemming from the 'Farmgate' scandal.
- Ramaphosa argued the process could cause him irreparable harm while a separate review of the independent panel report is pending.
- An independent panel had previously found prima facie evidence of Ramaphosa violating the Constitution regarding a burglary at his Phala Phala game farm.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has successfully challenged a parliamentary impeachment process related to the 'Farmgate' scandal, with the High Court ruling on Friday to halt proceedings. The court's decision suspends the work of the impeachment committee, which was investigating allegations of misconduct stemming from a burglary at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm.
The legal battle originated from a Constitutional Court ruling that invalidated Parliament's previous decision to shelve an independent panel's report. This report, led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, had found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and anti-corruption laws.
Ramaphosa sought to interdict the impeachment committee, arguing that its proceedings could cause him irreparable harm while he pursued a separate review of the panel's findings. The review is scheduled for early September. The impeachment committee, however, had opposed the application, asserting its obligation to proceed based on the Constitutional Court's directive.
Committee chairperson Makashule Gana had indicated that the committee would continue its work until a court order directed otherwise. The committee had been in the process of appointing an evidence leader and finalizing terms of reference. The High Court's judgment on Friday has now put these preparations on hold.