Former Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has publicly stated that the arrest of President Cyril Ramaphosa is unavoidable, describing the event as a matter of timing rather than possibility. Nqakula made these comments during a recent appearance on the African Renaissance Network podcast hosted by Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.
Legal Context And Official Stance
Nqakula stated: “The arrest of Cyril Ramaphosa is not a question of if, it’s a question of when. And that when is coming very, very soon.” He further suggested that the President faces a high risk of arrest during a theoretical scenario, though he provided no specific evidence of an active warrant or ongoing criminal charges.
In contrast to these assertions, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has confirmed that there are currently no formal investigations or pending proceedings against President Ramaphosa. The President has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding the 2020 burglary at his Phala Phala property, where $580,000 in cash was allegedly stolen, and he continues to pursue a judicial review of the independent panel’s report that previously suggested there was a case to answer.
Political And Procedural Developments
The President’s legal and political challenges were renewed following a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2026, which found that Parliament acted unconstitutionally by failing to initiate an impeachment inquiry four years prior. A 31-member parliamentary committee has since been formed to investigate the matter, reintroducing the scandal into the public discourse.
Further judicial scrutiny is expected in the coming months, with the Western Cape High Court scheduled to hear the President’s application to review the findings of the independent panel between 2 and 4 September 2026. These proceedings are expected to clarify the legal standing of the allegations and the legitimacy of the ongoing parliamentary inquiry.