ANC Spokesperson Pule Mabe Explains Why the Step Aside Rule Does Not Apply to President Cyril Ramaphosa

• The African National Congress (ANC) said the step aside rule does not apply to President Cyril Ramaphosa
• The party's spokesperson said it is allowing law enforcement officials to process the matter and investigate the complaint
• The Economic Freedom Fighters remains adamant that Ramaphosa must be held accountable for the allegations against him

JOHANNESBURG - As calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step aside get louder, the African National Congress said he does not meet the criteria for the policy to be implemented. Ramaphosa is accused of allegedly covering up a burglary that occurred at his farm in Limpopo in 2020 which he denies.

Former State Security Agency boss Arthur Fraser laid a criminal complaint against the president. Responding to the calls from some political parties, ANC Spokesperson Pule Mabe, said he has not been charged formally with any crime.

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Suspended Ace Magashule weighs in on Ramaphosa farm theft, says people who face charges should step aside

Mabe said the ruling party has not discussed the president stepping aside because it is allowing law enforcement officials to process the matter and investigate the complaint, TimesLIVE reported. Despite the ruling party’s comments, members of the Economic Freedom Fighters believe that Ramaphosa should step aside.

The party’s deputy president Floyd Shivambu those investigating the matter will be intimidated since the president is still in office. He claims that Ramaphosa violated a number of laws and he must be held accountable. He also questioned the source of the money that was stolen during the burglary, according to SABC News.

SA divided over ruling

Social media users have mixed views with some saying Ramaphosa is innocent and others calling for him to step down:

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Deputy President David Mabuza says it’s too soon to ask Cyril Ramaphosa to step down over Limpopo farm theft

Sandile Beuzana said:

“Ace was asked to step aside not based on accusations but when he was charged. Why want to change ANC policies when it comes to CR.”

Bennito Phela posted:

“The problem of ANC has no backbone when coming to their own policies and Ramaphosa forced them to divert from ANC policies and what ANC stand for.”

Ngoako Rabothata commented:

“That's ANC policy but parliament might decide and vote for him to take a leave of absence.”

BL Mnisi wrote:

“He is a free man not charged unlike Julius Malema or Ace Magashule or Floyd Shivambu but l wish in 2024 ANC must be voted out by the Patriotic Alliance and Action SA.”

Zweli Mgwenya said:

“This was not the case when Zweli Mkhize was asked to step aside.”

Lazeelaz Komane added:

“Let Ramaphosa stay because he's a victim of crime not the other way around.”

Deputy President David Mabuza says it’s too soon to ask Cyril Ramaphosa to step down over Limpopo farm theft

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Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane launches probe into Ramaphosa farm theft for alleged breach of Ethics Code

In a related matter, Briefly News Deputy President David Mabuza has come to the defence of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the midst of calls to step down in the wake of the Phala Phala farm theft allegations. Ramaphosa has been accused of covering up a burglary that took place at his Limpopo game reserve in 2020.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, 8 June, Mabuza stated that there is no need for Ramaphosa to step down yet. Mabuza was also asked whether he would convince Ramaphosa to step down in future, and he responded by saying that the case is still under investigation, reports News24.

Source: Briefly News