President Ramaphosa appoints panel to investigate veracity of allegations related to docking of Russian vessel
28 May 2023 - 9:30am
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a three-member independent panel to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of the Russian vessel known as Lady R in Simonstown, Western Cape, in December 2022.
President Ramaphosa announced on 11 May 2023 that he would establish an independent inquiry headed by a retired judge.
The President has appointed Judge PMD Mojapelo as Chairperson, together with Adv. Leah Gcabashe SC, and Mr Enver Surty as other members of the panel.
Through this inquiry, Government seeks to establish the circumstances that led to the docking of the ship 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.