Lady R

The independent Lady R panel is headed by Judge Phineas Mojapelo (centre). Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC (left) and former deputy minister of basic education, Enver Surty (right), join him. Images: Supreme Court of Appeal/Judiciary/Government.

Ramaphosa appoints three-person panel to investigate Lady R controversy

Ramaphosa established an independent panel to investigate allegations that South Africa provided arms to Russia through the Lady R ship.

Lady R

The independent Lady R panel is headed by Judge Phineas Mojapelo (centre). Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC (left) and former deputy minister of basic education, Enver Surty (right), join him. Images: Supreme Court of Appeal/Judiciary/Government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a three-person panel to investigate the allegations that South Africa provided arms to Russia when the Lady R ship docked in Simon’s Town in late 2022.

READ: Russian Embassy hits back at US Ambassador’s claims

Panel Formed to Investigate South Africa’s Alleged Arms Shipment to Russia

On Sunday, 28 May, the Presidency announced that former Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Phineas Mojapelo would chair the independent panel. Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC and former deputy minister of basic education, Enver Surty join him.

“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.

READ: Did South Africa provide Russia with weapons? The US thinks so

“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,” read the statement.

Earlier this month, US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, alleged that South Africa supplied weapons and ammunition to Russia. He said he was willing to bet his life on the intelligence the allegations were based on.

Panel to compile Lady R report

On 11 May, Ramaphosa responded to the allegations and said an independent headed by a retired judge would be established.

The panel has been tasked with finding individuals who were aware of Lady R’s arrival, if any, and the contents offloaded or loaded.

READ: Lady R: Sanctioned Russian ship seen moving cargo in Simon’s Town before leaving as quietly as it came

“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,” read the statement.

The panel will compile a report that details the steps that may need to be taken. It will report directly to Ramaphosa. The investigation is expected to be finalised within six weeks, and the report two weeks after the conclusion of the work.

The panel may ask for an extension if necessary.

READ: Rand takes a hit after US accuses SA of arming Russia

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