S African president ready to face crunch probe finding

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed domestic corruption claims that have prompted questions over his future during a visit to the UK yesterday, but rejected suggestions they could cut short his presidency.

Lawmakers in Pretoria will next month debate the findings of a special panel probing whether he should face impeachment over allegations that he covered up a crime.

The controversy risks derailing his bid for a second term as African National Congress (ANC) president.

It is alleged he failed to report a heist at his luxury cattle farmhouse in which robbers took $4 million in cash, and instead organised for the robbers to be kidnapped and bribed into silence.

Asked if he was concerned that the panel's findings could put an end to his presidency, he said "no" and told reporters he had faith in South Africa's "democracy and institutions".

"I have put my case forward, let us leave it to the panel to come up with the outcome," he said as he wrapped up his two-day state visit, the first to be hosted by King Charles III.