Ramaphosa 'to step aside' if charged over scandal

According to his spokesman, if accused of covering up a robbery at his property, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa will "stand away."

If the president were to be prosecuted, he would cheerfully resign, according to presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya, who spoke to reporters.

Added him: "However, as things stand, the president is not facing any criminal charges. He is fully cooperating with the numerous investigations you have, and he will keep doing so."

The robbery at Phala Phala farm back in February 2020 and the alleged aftermath are the subjects of the scandal known as "farmgate."

A domestic helper at the farm allegedly joined up with two Namibian nationals to commit the heist.

The president is accused of ordering the pursuit of the suspects who allegedly stole an estimated $4 million (£3.2 million) from his farm, as well as of kidnapping, bribery, and violating the law. He claims he did nothing wrong.