Fraser’s SSA in focus as he takes aim at president
THE State Capture Commission of Inquiry is today expected to deliver its final report with parts of the focus on the State Security Agency.
This is expected to highlight serious issues at the agency, as its former spy boss Arthur Fraser pursues charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Fraser on June 1 asked police to investigate allegations that Ramaphosa had not reported the theft of $4 million (about R64m) from his Phala Phala farm, and had sought to cover up the matter.
As the fallout over the scandal grows, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula turned down a request by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) to take action against Ramaphosa.
The DA and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba have called on the SA Revenue Service (Sars) and the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) to probe the theft, saying the incident had raised concern in the public domain relating to tax compliance in the transaction that led to the president acquiring $4m in cash.
Former MK spokesperson Carl Niehaus has also laid criminal charges against the president, saying he acted on legal advice and his complaint will become a supplementary affidavit to the original case opened by Fraser.
Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing, although he has provided scant details on questions regarding the theft, such as why he was in possession of a lot of foreign currency and why it was not reported to the police.
Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu said the latest report by the commission, in the wake of Fraser’s allegations, was bound to be problematic as it would further highlight the gaps in the report.
The inquiry, headed by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is expected to reveal its findings on the SABC, the Gupta plane landing at Waterkloof airport and the goings on at the SSA.
When several members of the SSA appeared last year, they gave testimony about the amount of state funds used irregularly and details of controversial clandestine activities.