Cape Town – The Office of the Public Protector is standing by its report on Phala Phala, despite facing legal review from political parties.
Chief operating officer Nelisiwe Nkabinde said during a press briefing on Tuesday that the report’s release in June, which cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of wrongdoing related to foreign currency theft on his Limpopo farm, was the result of robust debate.
She said that the investigation, involving the head of state, was conducted carefully, considering past court judgments and the roles of other agencies.
“It wasn’t an easy investigation… because it is a matter that involves a head of state…
“We are comfortable where we are, that we have done a proper investigation, that we have applied the law,” Nkabinde said.
Meawhile, Kholeka Gcaleka, the recently appointed Public Protector, reassured that the Phala Phala report was not causing her sleepless nights.
She emphasides that the investigative team at the Office of the Public Protector conducted a comprehensive examination.
“Having produced and signed off on Phala Phala, I actually sleep at night because I know it’s been vigorous teamwork,” she said.
Watch as Gcaleka speaks below (Courtesy eNCA)
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
