South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog says there is no evidence of wrongdoing by President Cyril Ramaphosa linked to the theft of $580,000 (£482,000) – possibly more – in cash from his farm.

In a preliminary report, the public protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, concludes that Mr Ramaphosa did not violate an ethics code or abuse his role as head of state.

The report says the president declared the theft within weeks of it taking place three years ago.

But it says the head of the presidential protection service, Maj Gen Wally Rhoode, acted improperly by carrying out an unofficial investigation into the crime.

An independent panel set up by South Africa’s parliament decided late last year that Mr Ramaphosa had a case to answer, prompting calls for his resignation.