SOWETAN | Why is Cyril evading the public protector?

When allegations of money laundering and kidnapping against President Cyril Ramaphosa first emerged from former spy boss Athur Fraser in June, Ramaphosa was at pains to assure the nation that he had done nothing wrong and would fully cooperate with any investigation into him and his property. 

Though he refused to answer direct questions about what he knew of the robbery at his Phala Phala game farm, he was adamant that he had nothing to hide. 

He told us that his silence was not to be viewed as an indication of guilt but rather his desire to give investigators space to do their work. This explanation for refusing to readily account for what he knew was unconvincing and in fact, questionable.

If one has nothing to hide and their version of events is the truth, it matters not where and when they tell it. The truth does not change nor is its integrity compromised by timing or context in which it is said. 

This week, acting public protector Kholeka Gcaleka revealed that Ramaphosa has asked for yet another extension to the deadline to answer questions her office had asked for the purposes of their probe into the president’s matter. 

Ramaphosa initially had until June 22 to answer questions posed to him but upon his request, was granted an extension until July 18. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the office of the public protector said Gcaleka has denied the extension and threatened to subpoena Ramaphosa if he does not respond in the next seven days. 

Her decision is correct. 

There is no plausible nor rational reason why Ramaphosa cannot answer basic questions about what he knows about the robbery at his farm. 

There is no reason why he cannot respond forthrightly to allegations that criminal activities happened in his name or that state resources were abused by those acting in his interest. 

It beggars belief that the president, notwithstanding his daily responsibilities as head of state, would not make sufficient time to prioritise dealing with a matter that effectively has the potential to derail his very presidency. 

Not only do his continuous requests for an extension indicate disrespect for a Chapter 9 institution, they expose his entitlement to be treated differently to any other citizen under investigation. 

He must not be allowed to abuse his power. The president took an oath to respect and protect our constitution and all laws of the Republic. 

He must act like it.