President Ramaphosa seeks to halt impeachment proceedings, citing irreparable harm

Advocate Wim Trengove SC, representing the president, argued that the independent panel, which found prima facie evidence of potential constitutional and PRECCA violations related to the Phala Phala scandal, did not adequately consider Ramaphosa's responses. Trengove contended that the panel should have weighed all evidence to determine if there was sufficient cause for a public inquiry, rather than merely establishing a prima facie case based on accusers' evidence. Judge André le Grange questioned this, noting the panel's limitations to affidavits and a 30-day reporting period.

Trengove maintained that a public trial of a sitting president would cause significant and irreversible reputational damage, even if the report were later overturned. He stated that the president is not trying to protect the disclosure of facts but to avoid public humiliation from being tried for a serious offense. Conversely, Judge Matthew Francis suggested that the proceedings could lead to exoneration.

William Mokhare SC, representing the impeachment committee chair, argued that Ramaphosa had "missed the boat" to review the report and that the committee has a constitutional duty to proceed impartially. Mokhare assured that the committee would ensure fair a