A South African court has ruled that parliament should hold an impeachment hearing regarding President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of a theft at his private farm.

The case centers on an incident that occurred six years ago at Ramaphosa's farm, where money was allegedly stolen from a couch. The president has faced scrutiny over his response to the theft and whether proper procedures were followed.

Judges determined that the matter warrants an impeachment inquiry, setting up a potential constitutional crisis for South Africa's governing African National Congress party. The ruling represents a significant legal challenge to Ramaphosa's presidency.

The court decision means parliament will now need to proceed with formal impeachment proceedings. The process could potentially lead to the president's removal from office if sufficient evidence of misconduct is found.

Ramaphosa, who took office in 2018, has previously denied any wrongdoing in connection with the farm incident. The case has created uncertainty about the political stability of Africa's most industrialized economy.