Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has 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, will also include 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.
“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 on Sunday.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has appointed a three-member independent panel to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of the Russian vessel known as Lady R in Simonstown, Western Cape, in December 2022. https://t.co/OLIcSD5ao1 pic.twitter.com/J0pRTYeu3h
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) May 28, 2023
The investigation will assess compliance with constitutional, legal, and other obligations, and provide recommendations for any necessary actions or consequences.
“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,” Magwenya said.
He said that the panel will report directly to the president and is expected to complete its investigation within six weeks and submit its report within two weeks after concluding its work.
“The panel will finalise its investigation within 6 weeks of its appointment and will be expected to submit its report to the President within 2 weeks of concluding its work. The panel may request an extension of this time frame should it be necessary,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
