Analysts have weighed in on the classification of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report regarding the Phala Phala scandal, suggesting that a comprehensive investigation may only be feasible after President Cyril Ramaphosa's term concludes.

This reaction follows Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's declaration that the IPID report on the Phala Phala saga has been classified as top secret and will remain confidential until declassified.

The IPID has been investigating the actions of VIP officers assigned to President Ramaphosa, who allegedly conducted a covert operation to Namibia in 2020 to recover millions of US dollars reportedly stolen from the couches at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.

In response to parliamentary questions from African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula, Mchunu insisted that it is disingenuous to suggest he is suppressing the report until declassification.

Political analyst Dr. Mpumeleleo Breakfast emphasised that the Phala Phala issue has not been adequately scrutinised by state institutions or the ruling party. He argued that leaders of these entities may be politically compromised.

“Those deployed by him know they cannot afford to challenge the president negatively. Not a single institution, including the South African Reserve Bank, has managed to stand up to Ramaphosa, despite the money being found on his couches,” Breakfast stated.

He noted that the Phala Phala saga is likely to resurface as a point of contention amid the reconfiguration of African National Congress (ANC) structures in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, but maintained that honest discussions would only occur after the president's term ends.

Breakfast expressed skepticism about Mchunu's motives, labelling him as one of Ramaphosa’s most trusted allies and suggesting that he aligns himself with the ruling faction of the party.

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Prominent crime expert and Violence Monitor Mary de Haas echoed Breakfast's concerns, highlighting a conflict of interest between Mchunu and the president.

“Mchunu is not a free agent; the President is the commander-in-chief, and that’s where the blame lies,” she stated.

“While we may have a Government of National Unity, all security services are under the ANC, meaning party factions and politics play a significant role.”

In defence of his actions, Mchunu reiterated that while IPID reports to him, he does not interfere with its operations.

“It is impermissible to disclose a classified report for the purpose requested by the ATM. There is no delay in making the report available, but it simply cannot be released,” Mchunu explained.

“The minister is aware of the implications of the executive ethics code and understands its contents. However, it is incorrect to suggest any involvement in unethical conduct when no basis exists for such claims,” Mchunu added.

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