CAPE TOWN - The South African Police Service (SAPS) has defended its actions in clearing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security head Wally Rhoode and Constable Hlulani Rekhoto of wrongdoing in the Phala Phala theft matter.
The SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) appeared before Parliament’s police portfolio committee to answer to events around the theft of USD $580, 000 from Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in 2020.
It was the details of the now-famous couch that caught the MPs attention in particular.
In its investigation, IPID found that Rhoode and Rekhoto failed to register the theft case at a police station.
They were also found to have conducted an undercover operation.
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The police watchdog recommended disciplinary action against the duo. MPs pushed for granular details on the investigation.
MK Party MP David Skosana questioned whether the exact amount was confirmed.
"I have asked about the evidence, was the money that was counted $580, 000? We don’t want to be gossiping here to say that the money is $280, 000 where as maybe it was $650,000.”
ATM MP Vuyo Zungula asked the police if the alleged suspects linked to the theft were kidnapped and tortured by Rhoode. IPID said the complainants withdrew the kidnapping case.
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Meanwhile, SAPS said its investigations focused on the housebreaking and theft, not so much on the couch.
Hawks Deputy Head, Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi said the police were not involved in the counting of the money.
"But I can just give assurance to this committee that during the hearing, the complainant who is the farm manager who opened the case produced evidence in the form of acknowledgment of receipt which contained the amount."
MPs have called for another meeting with IPID and the SAPS to resolve outstanding questions.
- Report by eNCA's Kevin Brandt