Impeachment committee for President Ramaphosa faces debate over 'fit and proper' MP criteria
via The Citizen4 min read
As the 31-member impeachment committee prepares to deliberate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s fate in the Phala Phala farm saga, a new debate has emerged regarding proposals by the DA and ANC that only “fit and proper” Members of Parliament be allowed to serve on the committee. This move could potentially bar several members from the inquiry. Ramaphosa faces the possibility of removal from office, as MPs have established a committee to recommend whether he should be impeached. Last week, Ramaphosa did not address calls from opposition parties to clarify the Phala Phala Farm saga, despite the impending impeachment inquiry. The DA parliamentary leader, George Michalakis, argued that the committee requires integrity and higher ethical standards, proposing that the Speaker determine "fit and proper" assembly members, ensuring all parties are represented. ANC MP Mikateko Mahlaule supported this, noting that courts have defined "fit and proper." However, former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party opposed the proposal, claiming it aims to sideline its leader, John Hlophe. MK representative Mzwanele Manyi warned that without a clearly defined decision-maker and procedure, the requirement could become arbitrary and susceptible to political manipulation. Advocate Andrew Breitenbach SC advised that an independent legal opinion might be needed. The subcommittee faces a tight deadline, with proposals due before the full rules committee on Tuesday and the National Assembly on Thursday. Other pr
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A 47-year-old South African Police Service officer in the Free State allegedly shot five people, killing three and injuring two, before taking his own life. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 7, 2026, near Hennenman. The officer reportedly went to Whittes Plot looking for his girlfriend. After failing to find her, he and the girlfriend's uncle went to another location where family members were gathered. An argument ensued when he was informed his girlfriend was not there, and he allegedly opened fire. The victims declared dead at the scene were the girlfriend's mother, her uncle, and a 25-year-old woman. Two others sustained gunshot wounds, with one transported to a hospital and the other treated at the scene for a graze wound. The officer then returned to his vehicle and shot himself. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown and under investigation. Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia condemned the incident, extending condolences to the affected families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. A comprehensive investigation has been ordered, with cases of murder, attempted murder, and an inquest registered and handed to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
South African authorities, including the Hawks and Customs officials, intercepted 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at R36 million at Durban Harbour on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The operation involved the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation's Serious Organised Crime Investigation's South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, Customs, Durban Visible Policing Operations, and the Local Criminal Record Centre. The drugs were discovered concealed within two excavators that arrived from Santos, Brazil, aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale stated that a Customs official alerted SANEB members to suspicious packages in the first excavator, leading to the discovery of 47 blocks of suspected cocaine. A subsequent inspection of a second excavator, already offloaded, revealed an additional 43 blocks. The total seizure amounts to approximately 90 kilograms, with an estimated street value of R36 million. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. The seized substances will undergo chemical analysis at the Forensic Science Laboratory. Acting Provincial Head Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan commended the team, reaffirming DPCI's commitment to disrupting transnational drug trafficking and protecting South Africa's ports.
Must ReadPresident Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the nation on Sunday evening at 6pm to discuss the government's strategy for managing illegal migration. This address comes as anti-illegal immigrant protests have intensified across several South African provinces, necessitating police intervention. The President is expected to outline the government's approach to both illegal migration and the recent surge in protests targeting foreign nationals. This is a developing story.