JOHANNESBURG: President of South African Cyril Ramaphosa has said an inquiry carried by an independent panel has found no evidence that a ship had transported arms to Russia, western media reported on Sunday.
Earlier the U.S. had alleged that a Russian vessel had picked up weapons in South Africa late last year.
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 levelled against our country.
I… https://t.co/NLSVCxWqUv— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 3, 2023
Ramaphosa while addressing the nation said allegations on supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be false.
He said no weapons were exported. The U.S. ambassador to South Africa had alleged that Russian cargo ship Lady R had uploaded weapons at a naval base near Cape Town in December.
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The US allegations created problems for the South African government, which backs a peaceful settlement of the war.
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Ramaphosa ordered an independent inquiry of the allegation led a retired judge to investigate the matter.
the South African president in his speech said the allegations were damaging for South African currency and economy. He said the accusations tarnished image of South Africa.
The Independent panel visited Simon’s Town Naval Base, to investigate the matter and recorded statements of nearly 50 people, and more than 100 documents were submitted.
However, Ramaphosa said, none of the individuals who leveled these baseless allegations could provide any evidence to substantiate their claims.
