D-day looms as ConCourt to rule on EFF's Phala Phala bid
The Economic Freedom Fighters will learn on Friday whether its challenge to Parliament’s handling of the Phala Phala scandal will succeed, in a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for executive accountability.
Image: IOL Graphics
The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its long-awaited judgment on the EFF's bid to revive the Phala Phala matter on Friday, amid growing pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa and concerns about accountability.
The apex court confirmed the date on Tuesday.
“The judgment in this matter will be handed down at the Constitutional Court on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10am,” said chief registrar, Simoné-Lanique Tjamela.
The party approached the court to challenge Parliament’s December 2022 decision not to adopt the Section 89 panel report, which found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer.
Meanwhile, an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report has alleged a cover-up related to the robbery.
IPID has recommended disciplinary action against two SAPS officers, including a senior member of the Presidential Protection Service, over their alleged roles in the incident.
Those implicated are Major General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, and Constable HH Rekhoto.
Rekhoto is attached to the Presidential Protection Service unit at the head office in Pretoria.
The findings follow the declassification of the IPID report into the conduct of Presidential Protection Service members, after a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application by ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM).
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had previously indicated the report would remain classified.
IPID identified Rhoode and Rekhoto as “the individuals who were mostly involved in the alleged cover-up of the theft from the president’s farm”.
“Both members were approached and were given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them,” the report stated.
Rekhoto provided a sworn affidavit in January 2023. Rhoode, however, failed to respond to IPID’s questions, despite indicating he would do so after the State of the Nation Address.
“IPID’s investigation therefore necessitated the analysis of the available evidence gathered,” the report said.