The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for the arrest of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi, accusing her of failing to prosecute and contributing to delays in the Phala Phala case.
The party argues that Batohi failed to act against President Cyril Ramaphosa and others implicated in the scandal.
Their demand comes amid renewed political tension over the unresolved theft of $580 000 from Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm in 2020.
The probe into the matter began in 2022 when former State Security Agency head Arthur Fraser lodged a criminal complaint.
EFF WANTS SHAMILA BATOHI ARRESTED
The EFF marched to the Constitutional Court on 28 November 2025, where it made its call for Batohi’s arrest.
The party leader, Julius Malema, says Batohi’s office should have ensured that law enforcement agencies moved faster, especially given the constitutional implications.
“Batohi must be arrested for defeating the ends of justice. How can Batohi not arrest Ramaphosa after Ramaphosa accepted that he used dollars,” Malema said, addressing his supporters during the march.
He insists that allowing the matter to stall undermines public trust in the justice system.
“Once you enter SA, it doesn’t matter who you are, you use the rand, you don’t use dollars… How can Ramaphosa be the only one who is allowed to use it because he is the one who must be number one in defending the currency of South Africa,” Malema further said.
DELAYED PHALA PHALA RULING ADDS FUEL TO THE FIRE
The march also targeted the delayed Phala Phala ruling.
The Constitutional Court has failed to make a ruling in more than a year after hearing the matter.
Moreover, the EFF approached the court to review Parliament’s decision not to adopt the Section 89 panel report.
The independent panel found prima facie evidence suggesting President Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and the anti-corruption law.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo told SABC News that the delay goes against the judiciary’s own norms, which recommend judgments be delivered within three months.
QUESTIONS OVER THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR AND RESERVE BANK
The EFF further criticised the Public Protector’s new investigation into whether the President abused his office to block law enforcement.
In 2023, Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, cleared Ramaphosa of any wrongdoings when investing the scandal.
The party believes the institution has previously avoided holding senior political figures accountable.
The Public Protector’s Office announced on 26 November 2025 that it would investigate President Ramaphosa after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party filed a complaint alleging abuse of power.
Furthermore, the EFF also dismissed the South African Reserve Bank’s explanations about the foreign currency, saying they lack credibility.
