By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Presidency announced on Friday evening that the government will establish an independent inquiry to investigate claims of the country supplying arms to Russia.
This follows accusations by US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety who accused the country of having covertly provided arms to Russia despite its professed neutrality in the Ukraine war.
The Presidency said it noted with concern the remarks by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, alleging the supply by South Africa of weapons to Russia.
“The Ambassador’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation led by National Security Special Advisor to the President Dr Sydney Mufumadi,” spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
Magwenya said Briget’s public posture was counter-productive and undermines constructive engagements on the matter.
“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.
In recent engagements between the South African delegation and US officials, the Lady R matter was discussed and there was agreement that an investigation will be allowed to run its course and that the US intelligence services will provide whatever evidence in their possession,” Magwenya said.
The US has been critical for months about South Africa’s continued cosy relationship with Russia.
It also expressed concerns about South Africa’s participation in military exercises with Russia and China during the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.
The naval exercises took place over 10 days in February and were criticised by opposition figures as an endorsement of the Russian invasion.
The South African authorities denied the war games were proactively timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary and said the country routinely hosts similar drills with other nations, including France and the US.
South Africa previously abstained from a UN vote condemning the invasion. It also refused to join the US and Europe in imposing sanctions on Russia.