By: Natasha Archary
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed an independent 3-member panel to investigate the Lady R allegations that South Africa supplied Russia with weapons.
The allegations by US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, made headlines earlier in May, with the ambassador claiming that the US had information that the Russian ship which was docked in Simons Town, was loaded with weapons and ammunition.
“Among the things we noted was the docking of the cargo ship in Simon’s Town naval base between the 6th to the 8th of December 2022, which we are confident uploaded weapons and ammunition onto that vessel in Simon’s Town as it made its way back to Russia.
We are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel, and I would bet my life on the accuracy on that assertion.”
Reuben Brigety, US Ambassador to South Africa
In a statement, the Presidency said the panel would enquire into the circumstances of the vessel’s docking in Simons Town in December 2022.
On 11 May, Ramaphosa said that he would set up a panel which would be headed by a retired judge.
This Sunday, 28 May, the President announced that Judge PMD Mojapelo has been appointed Chairperson. The panel will also include, Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC, and Mr Enver Surty.
“Through this inquiry, Government seeks to establish the circumstances that led to the docking of the ship and the alleged loading of cargo, and the departure of the Lady R cargo ship from Simonstown, during the period from 6 to 9 December 2022.
Presidency on the appointment of the independent 3-member panel who will investigate the Lady R allegations
The President decided to establish the enquiry because of the seriousness of the allegations, the extent of public interest and the impact of this matter on South Africa’s international relations.
The panel has been tasked to establish persons who were aware of the cargo ship’s arrival, and, if any, the contents to be off-loaded or loaded, the departure and destination of the cargo.
Furthermore, the panel will evaluate whether constitutional, legal or other obligations were complied with in relation to the cargo ship’s arrival, its stay, the loading or off-loading of its contents, and its departure.”
The panel’s report will include recommendations on any steps that may need to be taken in light of their findings or as a result of any breaches that may have occurred.
Findings by the panel will be reported directly to Ramaphosa, upon finalisation of the investigation which has been set for 6-weeks from appointment, and 2-weeks after conclusion of the investigation.
