Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s office has confirmed that it has received a complaint in terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act (EMEA) against President Cyril Ramaphosa for allegedly breaching the Executive Code of Ethics.

Public Protector spokesperson Oupa Segalwe says the complaint from African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula relates to Ramaphosa’s alleged conduct relating to allegations of criminal activities at one of his properties.

It has been widely reported that an alleged $4-million was stolen from Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm in 2020 and that the thieves were kidnapped, interrogated and paid to stay silent about the ordeal.

While the Presidency confirmed that money from the sale of game was stolen, it denied any criminal wrongdoing on the part of the President.

The Public Protector’s office said the investigation has commenced with letters already written to sources of information, including Ramaphosa.

The ATM recently, unsuccessfully, attempted to force the Speaker of Parliament to hold a motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, Segalwe explained that the Public Protector is the only institution that can enforce the Executive Code of Ethics.

The Public Protector’s office has 30 days to investigate the complaint and submit a report on the alleged breach of the Executive Code of Ethics. Usually this report would be sent to the President if the complaint was made against a Member of Cabinet, a Premier or a Deputy Minister.

“Due to the silence of the EMEA when it comes to the appropriate recipient of the report in case the complaint is against the President, the Public Protector has previously had to improvise and send it to the Speaker of the National Assembly,” said Segalwe.

The recipient of the report will then have 14 days to comment on the report or take any recommended action to the National Assembly.