South Africa to launch inquiry into claims by US that it supplied weapons to Russia: Presidency

South Africa will establish an independent inquiry led by a retired judge to probe allegations by the US ambassador that it supplied weapons to Russia, the Presidency said late Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Reuben Brigety told reporters that the US was convinced that South Africa had supplied arms to the Russian army despite the country claiming to be neutral.

"Among the things we noted was the docking of the (Russian) cargo ship in the Simon's Town naval base between Dec. 6 and 8, 2022, which we are confident uploaded weapons and ammunition onto that vessel as it made its way back to Russia," said Brigety.

In a statement, the Presidency said it has noted with concern the remarks attributed to the US envoy.