The sub judice rule is unlikely to halt proceedings at the impeachment committee investigating President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala matter. Ramaphosa's legal review of the Section 89 panel report is scheduled for early September at the Western Cape High Court. The committee is set to meet soon to decide its next steps.
The Section 89 independent panel had found a prima facie case for Ramaphosa to answer regarding foreign currency stored at his Phala Phala farm. This follows a Constitutional Court decision that the National Assembly acted unlawfully when it rejected the panel report without further investigation. Lawson Naidoo, executive director of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, stated it is unlikely parliament could use the rule to stop the committee. He noted extensive public discussion on the review already exists. Advocate Paul Hoffman of Accountability Now said the High Court review, set for 2 to 4 September, could end the removal process if successful. Any judgment is expected within a month, subject to possible appeal. The impeachment committee plans to convene shortly to outline its approach.
