Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, may face an impeachment hearing after a report found evidence that he might have broken the law in relation to money stolen at one of his properties. The finding amounts to a recommendation that Ramaphosa face a hearing in Parliament that could lead to his removal if two-thirds of the lawmakers vote against him.
The panel cast doubt on the president’s explanation of how the large sum of U.S. currency came to be hidden in — and stolen from — a couch in his living quarters. “The information presented by the president on the storage of the money is vague and leaves unsettling gaps,” the report said. Ramaphosa’s future as South Africa’s leader is now in grave doubt.
Ramaphosa is expected to face a fierce battle for a second term as the leader of his party, the African National Congress. In a statement last week, he said he had done nothing to violate his constitutional oath and spoke of “an unprecedented and extraordinary moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy.”
The National Assembly is scheduled to meet next week to debate the report and decide whether to convene the removal hearing. Analysts say it seems likely that lawmakers will choose to proceed. NYT
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