The Section 89 independent panel into the Phala Phala saga has questioned how such a large amount of foreign currency was carried into South Africa undetected.

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s version of events, on Christmas Day in 2019, a man by the name of Mr Hazim carried at least $580 000 in cash on him with the intent to visit the Phala Phala farm to view animals. It’s understood that Mr Hazim visited Phala Phala without any prior arrangements.

The independent panel questioned how Mr Hazim knew that there were buffaloes for sale as no advertising had been done prior to his visit.

By law, any foreign currency entering South Africa needs to be declared upon entering to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).