Arthur Fraser, former head of State Security, has directly implicated President Cyril Ramaphosa in an alleged bribery scheme, claiming the president offered him R50 million to withdraw a criminal case related to the Phala Phala scandal.
According to Fraser, the alleged bribe was conveyed just 14 days after he opened a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa on June 1, 2022 – and it extended far beyond money.
While Fraser claims he was offered R50 million, any government department of his choosing, and immunity from prosecution in exchange for collapsing the case, the Zondo Commission conversely found Fraser responsible for the “massive abuse” of SSA assets and the diversion of approximately R600 million to illegal projects.
The Alleged Offer: “Choose Any Department”
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday World Newspaper, Fraser detailed what he says was an extraordinary proposal conveyed to him by slain Cape Town businessman Mark Lifman less than two weeks after he opened a criminal case against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal on June 1, 2022.
According to Fraser, the alleged offer on June 15, 2022 extended far beyond money:
-
R50-million to collapse his criminal case.
-
Any government department of his choosing, including intelligence.
-
Immunity from prosecution – stopping investigations against him and people associated with him.
-
Amendment of Zondo Commission findings – allegedly promising that chairperson Justice Zondo would revise adverse findings against him.
Fraser claims he rejected the offer, telling the intermediary to “get lost.”
Threats Follow Refusal
When Fraser refused, he alleges the pressure turned into threats. During a meeting, an adviser or close associate of the president was reportedly placed on speakerphone and warned:
“Please tell them that if they don’t take this offer, we have already spoken to a businessman” – identified as the late taxi boss Jotham Msibi (“Mswazi”).
The Zondo Commission’s Contradictory Findings
The sharp contradiction lies in what the Zondo Commission found about Fraser’s own conduct:
-
He operated as a “law unto himself”.
-
Presided over a “complete lack of accountability”.
-
Responsible for the “massive abuse” of State Security Agency (SSA) assets.
-
Diverted approximately R600 million to illegal projects, including buying cars and houses in private names.
-
The Commission recommended he face criminal investigation for his actions.
Fraser Questions Prosecution Decisions
Fraser has also questioned why prosecutors declined to pursue his criminal complaint while criminal proceedings against suspects accused of stealing from the Phala Phala farm continued. He claims his case was “effectively shut down” and that findings by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) contradicted the decision not to prosecute.
No Comment from Presidency
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to a request for comment.
