russia Archives - Al Ansaar

President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the allegations that South Africa allegedly exported weapon to Russia aboard the Lady R, a Russian Vessel that docked in Simon’s Town in December last year.1 The president appointed former Supreme Court Judge Phineus Mojapelo to chair a three-member independent panel tasked with investigating the veracity of the allegations that were put forward by US ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety.2 Mojapelo will be assisted by advocate Leah Gcabashe and former basic education deputy minister Enver Surty in this investigation.3 The time frame for this investigation is six weeks.4 In a statement made on Sunday, the Presidency said government seeks to establish the circumstances that led to docking of the ship, the alleged loading of cargo, and the dep...

Tensions between Washington and Pretoria could increase over a Russian Cargo Plane having been under sanctions, that was allowed to land at Waterkloof air force base near Pretoria.1 The reason for sanctions against this plane is that it was shipping weapons for Russia’s defense force.2 The South African Department of Defense said in a statement on Wednesday that the plane had been delivering mail for the Russian embassy.3 South African officials have declined to say precisely what was loaded on to and what was taken off the plane.4 This all sounds suspicious. They have lied about knowing what was taken off the plane and taken to customs offices which could put pressure on South Africa’s relations with the US. This could decrease trust in diplomatic circles where South Africa is con...