President Cyril Ramaphosa said he will be establishing an independent inquiry to look into allegations that the South African government supplied weapons to Russia.
In a media briefing on Thursday, the United States ambassador to South Africa Rueben Brigety claimed that a Russian cargo ship left the Simon’s Town navy base camp in Cape Town last December with arms on board.
Brigety said the weapons were to support Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya accused Brigety of poor diplomatic skills.
In a statement, Magwenya said it was true that a Russian vessel known as Lady R docked in Cape Town last year, however, there was no evidence yet that it left with South African weapons.
He said that during recent engagements between the two nations, there was an agreement that an investigation would be allowed to run its course before any public announcements were made.
Magwenya said it was disappointing that Brigety undermined this agreement.
He said the investigative inquiry would be led by a retired judge.
No dates have been given yet on when this inquiry would be formed.
-EWN
In other news – Actor Gabriel Temudzani (Chief Azwindini) speaks out after leaving Muvhango
South African actor Gabriel Temudzani, who bid farewell to Muvhango on Monday, 8 May says leaving the soapie was an emotional roller coaster.
The popular Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani, who played Azwinidini Mukwevho for more than two decades tells a local publication that he’s ready to apply himself in other spaces. “It’s an emotional roller coaster. Muvhango has been my home for a long time and unfortunately, we are here. Learn More