South Africa denied the sale of weapons to the Russians

The investigation did not reveal any evidence of South African weapons being exported by a Russian ship.

An independent investigation found no evidence that a Russian ship was transporting a shipment of weapons from South Africa in late 2022. This was announced by the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, on September 3.

In an address to the nation, Ramaphosa said the allegations had damaged South Africa’s economy and its position in the world.

The president of South Africa claims that the ship docked at the base to deliver equipment that was ordered for the South African National Defense Force back in 2018. At the same time, Ramaphosa “cannot reveal the details” of the cargo, as it would “jeopardize important military operations and the lives of South African soldiers”.

It will be recalled that the Russian ro-ro vessel Lady R secretly docked at the Simons Town naval base between December 6 and 8, 2022. The vessel was processed at night with the transponder turned off.

American intelligence stated that weapons and ammunition were being loaded onto the Russian vessel. The US accusations raised the issue of South Africa’s neutrality regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine.

In order not to fall under sanctions, South African officials hastened to reject the accusations. Subsequently, the President of South Africa initiated a judicial investigation into the matter under the leadership of a retired judge.