…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a three-person panel to investigate allegations that South Africa provided arms to Russia during the docking of the Lady R ship in Simon’s Town in late 2022.
Panel Members and Objectives
Former Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Phineas Mojapelo will chair the independent panel, with Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC and former deputy minister of basic education, Enver Surty, joining him.
The purpose of the inquiry, as stated by the Presidency, is to establish the circumstances surrounding the docking of the ship, the alleged loading of cargo, and the departure of the Lady R cargo ship from Simon’s Town between 6 and 9 December 2022.
Reason for Establishing the Inquiry
The President decided to establish the inquiry due to the seriousness of the allegations, the significant public interest in the matter, and the potential impact on South Africa’s international relations, according to the official statement.
Background of Allegations
Earlier this month, US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, claimed that South Africa supplied weapons and ammunition to Russia.
He expressed confidence in the intelligence on which the allegations were based.
Scope of the Panel’s Investigation
The panel has been assigned the task of identifying individuals who were aware of the arrival of the Lady R ship, if any, and determining the contents that were offloaded or loaded.
Furthermore, the panel will assess whether constitutional, legal, or other obligations were adhered to regarding the ship’s arrival, stay, loading or offloading activities, and departure.
Report and Timeline
The panel will compile a comprehensive report outlining the necessary actions to be taken.
The report will be submitted directly to President Ramaphosa.
The investigation is expected to be completed within six weeks, with the report to follow within two weeks after the conclusion of the panel’s work.
If deemed necessary, the panel may request an extension of the timeline.
The outcome of this investigation will shed light on the alleged arms shipment and its implications, contributing to transparency and accountability in South Africa’s international engagements.