Ramaphosa: Govt looking into claims of SA supplying arms to Russia

Ramaphosa was answering questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, just hours after the US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety accused SA of providing weapons and ammunition to Russia.

He alleges that the weapons were transported through a Russian docked at the Simon's Town naval base in Cape Town in December last year.

News24 is quoting the ambassador as saying that the US government takes the matter seriously.

DA leader John Steenhuisen asked  Ramaphosa if he can confirm whether weapons of war were loaded on the Russian ship before she left Simon's Town naval base.

Ramaphosa said the matter is being looked into.

"We are all aware of the news that we all became aware of, of Lady R, and that whole matter, honourable Steenhuisen, is being looked into. And whilst the process continues, I want you to allow that process to continue to reach its fruition.

“I know that you are so keen, and you are so interested in knowing exactly what happened. The matter is being looked into, and in time we will be able to speak about it.

South Africa has so far refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ramaphosa has always maintained that the South African government believes the conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

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