South Africa’s Constitutional Court has reignited political tensions by overturning parliament’s decision to block impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the explosive Phala Phala cash-heist scandal, piling fresh pressure on the embattled leader ahead of key local elections.

CBI News reports that in a landmark ruling delivered on Friday, South Africa’s highest court declared that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it voted in 2022 against opening impeachment proceedings linked to the controversial Phala Phala scandal.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya announced that the National Assembly’s decision to reject the impeachment process was “inconsistent with the Constitution, invalid, and set aside.”

The court further ordered that the findings of an independent investigative panel be referred to an impeachment committee for further action.

The case stems from allegations that Ramaphosa concealed a 2020 burglary at his luxury Phala Phala farm in Limpopo Province, where millions of dollars in foreign currency were allegedly hidden inside furniture and sofa cushions.

An independent panel had earlier concluded that the South African president “may have committed” serious constitutional violations and misconduct in relation to the incident.

However, parliament — then dominated by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) — voted against initiating impeachment proceedings in December 2022, effectively shielding Ramaphosa from possible removal from office.

The Constitutional Court’s latest ruling followed a legal challenge filed by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Reacting to the judgement, EFF leader Julius Malema celebrated the court’s decision, saying:

“We are happy our Constitution has won.”

Malema added that the ANC must now decide whether it still wants to be led by a president facing such serious allegations.

“Ramaphosa will face very rough and thorough questions if impeachment proceedings begin,” he warned.

The ruling is expected to intensify political pressure on both Ramaphosa and the ANC, which has suffered declining public support over allegations of corruption, weak governance, and unfulfilled promises.

The presidency said it had “noted the judgement” and stressed that Ramaphosa respects the rule of law and due process.

In a statement, the presidency maintained that:

“No person is above the law and all allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice.”

Although South Africa’s public prosecutor dropped corruption and money laundering charges against Ramaphosa in 2024, the scandal has remained politically damaging.

The political landscape has also shifted significantly since 2022. Following the 2024 general election, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in decades and now governs through a fragile coalition with nine other parties.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), now a key coalition partner, confirmed it would participate fully in the impeachment committee process.

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the party would follow the evidence objectively while ensuring accountability at the highest level of government.

The Phala Phala controversy first exploded in 2022 after South Africa’s former spy chief accused Ramaphosa of secretly covering up the theft of cash allegedly hidden at his ranch.

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