South Africa to launch inquiry into claims by US that it supplied weapons to Russia: President

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa will establish an independent inquiry led by a retired judge to probe allegations by the US ambassador that it supplied weapons to Russia, the Presidency said late Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Reuben Brigety told reporters that the US was convinced that South Africa had supplied arms to the Russian army despite the country claiming to be neutral.

"Among the things we noted was the docking of the (Russian) cargo ship in the Simon's Town naval base between Dec. 6 and 8, 2022, which we are confident uploaded weapons and ammunition onto that vessel as it made its way back to Russia," said Brigety.

In a statement, the Presidency said it has noted with concern the remarks attributed to the US envoy.

“It is public knowledge that a Russian vessel known as Lady R docked in South Africa. Allegations have since been made about the purpose of the voyage. While no evidence has been provided to date to support these allegations, the Government has undertaken to institute an independent enquiry to be led by a retired judge,” the Presidency said.

Brigety told reporters that arming Moscow is a big concern for Washington, which sees South Africa as an important partner. He said the issue was one of the concerns raised by senior American officials during a high-level South African delegation's recent visit to the US.

The Presidency said the remarks by the ambassador undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterized the recent engagements between US government officials and the South African official delegation to the US.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office further said that during the recent engagements between the US and South Africa, the matter of the Lady R was discussed, and there was an agreement that an investigation will be allowed to run its course.

They also agreed that US intelligence services will provide whatever evidence they have in their possession.

“It is therefore disappointing that the US Ambassador has adopted a counterproductive public posture that undermines the understanding reached on the matter and the very positive and constructive engagements between the two delegations,” the Presidency said.