Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to release the findings of the Lady R inquiry to the public.
President Cyril Ramaphosa in May appointed a three-member independent panel to investigate the docking of a Russian vessel, Lady R, in Simonstown, Western Cape, in December 2022.
Ramaphosa initially announced this independent panel on 11 May 2023, when replying to questions in the National Assembly.
This was after US ambassador Reuben Brigety accused South Africa of providing weapons to Russia through the vessel but later apologised.
The panel, led by retired Judge Phineas Mojapelo, also included Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC and 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.
ALSO READ | #LadyRussiagate: Ramaphosa appoints panel to probe 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,” Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Vincent Magwenya, said at the time.
The investigation was expected to assess compliance with constitutional, legal, and other obligations, and provide recommendations for any necessary actions or consequences.
However, there have been no indications from the Presidency regarding the probe’s conclusion.
President Ramaphosa had initially stated that the report would be classified and that the inquiry could request an extension, EWN reported.
The DA’s defence spokesperson, Kobus Marais, has argued that while classified information could be redacted, the report should be made public.
“What we want from this is what we have always believed. If nothing was wrong, as they’ve claimed, then why not make it public. If you’ve got nothing to fear, why not be honest and transparent to the public,” the report quoted Marais as saying.
Marais said that he was not aware of anyone who was interviewed by the panel.
The DA has applied to access the information and has not ruled out legal action, the report said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@TheLegalSA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
