South Africa says inquiry found no evidence of arms shipment to Russia

Cyril Ramaphosa addresses supporters during a rally in Soweto on September 3. Phill Magakoe/AFP/Getty Images

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday said a three-person independent panel he appointed had found "no evidence" that any weapons were loaded for export onto a sanctioned Russian vessel late last year. 

The inquiry was launched after the US Ambassador to South Africa in May accused the South African government of delivering arms and ammunition to the Russian cargo ship Lady R last December.

Ramaphosa said Sunday the panel found that the vessel brought military equipment for the South African National Defense force that was ordered in 2018. 

“South Africa has clear laws that regulate the issuing of permits regarding the importation and export of conventional arms,” Ramaphosa said, adding all relevant permits were obtained for importing the weapons and that no arms were loaded back onto the vessel.

The classified nature of some of the documents and equipment meant he would not release the full report, Ramaphosa said. An executive summary would be released Monday, he added.

“When all matters are considered, none of the allegations made about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true. And none of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been leveled against our country,” he said.

Some context: Western diplomats have criticized South Africa for its perceived solidarity with Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine. South African government officials have long maintained they are a neutral party in the conflict, but have refused to condemn Russia in UN General Assembly votes. Earlier this year, South Africa also hosted the Chinese and Russian navies for war games.