PHUTI MOSOMANE
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Judge Phineas Mojapelo as the Chairperson of a three-member panel tasked with investigating the docking of the Russian vessel, Lady R, in Simon’s Town, Western Cape.
The panel will work in collaboration with Advocate Leah Gcabashe SC and former Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty.
Several weeks ago, Ramaphosa announced his intention to establish an independent inquiry led by a retired judge.
“The President decided to establish the enquiry because of the seriousness of the allegations, the extent of public interest and the impact of this matter on South Africa’s international relations,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
The government’s objective through this inquiry is to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the docking of the Lady R cargo ship in Simon’s Town, as well as the alleged loading or off-loading of cargo, and the subsequent departure of the ship between December 6 and December 9, 2022.
Magwenya confirmed that the panel has been given the mandate to identify individuals who were aware of the arrival of the cargo ship, and, if applicable, the nature of the cargo being loaded or off-loaded, as well as the destination of the cargo upon departure.
Additionally, the panel will assess whether there was compliance with constitutional, legal, and other obligations in relation to the ship’s arrival, stay, loading or off-loading procedures, and departure.
Judge Mojapelo’s report is expected to include recommendations for any necessary actions based on the findings or any identified breaches.
The panel will directly report to President Ramaphosa and will receive administrative support from personnel within the Presidency, assigned to this task by the Director-General.
The investigation is set to be completed within six weeks of the panel’s appointment, and the report is expected to be submitted to the President within two weeks of concluding the investigation.
However, the panel may request an extension of this timeline if deemed necessary.
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