DA Takes Lady R Investigation to Court as Minister Pandor Deliberates on US Ambassador’s Fate

As the Democratic Alliance (DA) pursues legal action in the Lady R investigation, International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has indicated that she has not yet decided on potential action against US Ambassador Reuben Brigety concerning the incident.

According to EWN, the diplomatic turbulence began in May when Ambassador Brigety claimed South Africa had contributed to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine by loading weapons onto a Russian cargo ship while stopping at the Simon’s Town naval base in December. However, an independent investigation found no evidence to support these allegations.

While the final report of the investigation remains undisclosed, President Cyril Ramaphosa released an executive summary that refuted Brigety’s claims, sparking widespread calls for the ambassador’s expulsion.

Also read: Pandor, Blinken to discuss US ambassador’s arms sales claims

Responding to a parliamentary question from Mkhuleko Hlengwa of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Minister Pandor stated that no decision would be made until thorough consultations. Brigety had previously been demarched by Pandor for his comments.

Pandor further conveyed to Parliament that her decision on whether action against Brigety is warranted would consider bilateral relations with the United States and South Africa’s foreign policy interests.

In these developments, the DA is challenging the constitutionality of the panel responsible for investigating the incident, particularly its composition, which included a judge.

Also read:

No Evidence of Weapons Sent to Russia Found, Panel Reports – Ramaphosa

Picture: X / DIRCO_ZA

Follow us on Google News.