The Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation has formally requested that United States law enforcement authorities investigate the origins of the foreign currency stolen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in 2020.
In submissions sent to the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the U.S. Treasury Department, the foundation argues that the presence of millions of undeclared U.S. dollars on a private farm owned by a sitting head of state may have breached American currency-smuggling and anti-money laundering statutes.
Shirley Willemse, chairperson of the Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation, stated that the foundation is seeking a formal U.S. investigation into the origin, transportation, and concealment of the approximately $580,000 stolen during a February 2020 burglary at the farm in Limpopo.
President Ramaphosa has consistently maintained that the money represented legitimate proceeds from a buffalo sale to Sudanese businessman Mustafa Hazim and has denied any wrongdoing.
Willemse cited specific U.S. legal provisions the foundation believes may have been violated. These include 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and § 1957, which address monetary transactions involving property derived from specified unlawful activity and carry potential fines or imprisonment of up to 10 years. She also referenced the bulk cash smuggling statute, 31 U.S.C. § 5332, which prohibits knowingly concealing more than $10,000 in currency with intent to evade reporting requirements under § 5316, with penalties including imprisonment of not less than five years.
Addressing jurisdictional questions, Willemse noted that because the currency in question was U.S. dollars, American authorities have grounds to investigate potential violations of U.S. financial laws.
On South African regulatory matters, Willemse acknowledged that domestic law generally permits individuals to hold foreign currency not exceeding $10,000. She further noted that the South African Reserve Bank previously investigated President Ramaphosa under foreign exchange control regulations and determined that no completed transaction had occurred; therefore, the obligation to declare the funds fell upon Mr. Hazim, who reportedly failed to do so. The South African Revenue Service also conducted its own inquiry into the matter.
Regarding procedural protocol, Willemse explained that the foundation followed established channels to bring its concerns to U.S. authorities. Rather than contacting the FBI directly, the submission was routed through appropriate intelligence and whistleblower reporting mechanisms designed to alert federal investigative bodies.
The foundation’s request adds a new international dimension to the ongoing domestic scrutiny surrounding the Phala Phala incident. U.S. authorities have not yet publicly commented on the submission.
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