The Western Cape High Court has temporarily halted Parliament’s impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s handling of the Phala Phala farm robbery, granting the President a significant legal reprieve.
Judge Andre Le Grange ruled on Friday that Parliament is prohibited from proceeding with public impeachment hearings until the court has considered Ramaphosa’s application challenging the findings of an independent judicial panel.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter from 2 to 4 September. Ramaphosa maintains that he acted lawfully and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the theft of hundreds of thousands of US dollars concealed in furniture at his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.
The impeachment process was revived in May after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament had acted unlawfully by failing to establish a committee to investigate the matter four years ago.
The latest ruling delays parliamentary proceedings while the legal challenge unfolds, providing Ramaphosa with additional time before lawmakers can resume impeachment deliberations.
Although the African National Congress (ANC) no longer commands an outright majority in Parliament, the President’s removal would still require the support of two-thirds of Members of Parliament, making any impeachment vote a significant political hurdle.
The Phala Phala controversy has remained one of South Africa’s most contentious political issues since details of the robbery emerged. Ramaphosa previously acknowledged that he had considered resigning over the scandal but was persuaded to remain in office by senior ANC leaders.
The outcome of the September court hearing is expected to determine whether Parliament can proceed with its impeachment inquiry or whether the process will face further legal delays.