Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says a report by an independent panel on the investigation into the docking of the Russian vessel, known as Lady R, is expected to be completed on Friday and handed over to the President as soon as his schedule permits.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Magwenya said following the President’s consumption of the report, he will decide on the actions to be followed and aspects of the reports that will be made public.
In May, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a three-member independent panel to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of the Russian vessel in Simonstown, Western Cape, in December 2022.
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He appointed Judge Phineas Mojapelo as Chairperson, together with Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC, and Enver Surty as other members of the panel.
Through this inquiry, government sought to establish the circumstances that led to the docking of the Russian vessel and the alleged loading of cargo, and the departure of the Lady R cargo ship from Simonstown, during the period from 6 to 9 December 2022.
Ramaphosa had decided to establish the enquiry due to the seriousness of the allegations, the extent of public interest and the impact of this matter on South Africa’s international relations, the Presidency explained.
