IPID declassifies Phala Phala report, but public release remains restricted

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially declassified its report into the Phala Phala burglary, though the watchdog group is not yet ready to make the document available to the general public.

Previously designated as "Top Secret," the report’s change in status was revealed in a recent parliamentary response by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, following inquiries from the African Transformation Movement (ATM).

IPID’s investigation focused on the conduct of police officers involved in the aftermath of the 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo game farm, where $580,000 in cash was stolen.

ALSO READ: Phala Phala saga: ActionSA appeals classification of IPID report to ensure accountability

Key figures under scrutiny likely include Major General Wally Rhoode, the head of Presidential Protection Services. Rhoode has faced allegations of spearheading an illegal, "off-the-books" investigation to recover the stolen funds.

Despite the declassification, Minister Cachalia maintained that the report would not be released automatically.

He noted that IPID reports are generally not for public consumption and must be accessed through formal legal channels, such as a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application.

ActionSA, which previously saw its PAIA application for the report rejected on the grounds of its "Top Secret" status, has moved quickly to challenge the continued secrecy.

ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont expressed confidence that the declassification removes the primary legal hurdle for transparency.

"With the declassification of the report, ActionSA’s appeal will no longer need to be upheld and the report can be provided. ActionSA has issued papers to IPID today to ensure this happens immediately."

The party maintains that the report is a matter of significant public interest and that the findings regarding police conduct must be laid bare.