4-member panel to investigate Iran’s role in SA’s recent naval drill

Retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe will lead a four-member investigative panel to determine whether the head of the South African Navy ignored a direct order from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The order barred Iran’s participation in the Will of Peace naval drills that took place at False Bay in Cape Town earlier this year.

Despite the instruction, Iranian forces continued to participate, sparking a formal investigation and potential disciplinary action within defence.

The exercise, which included China, Russia, and BRICS-aligned nations, prompted sharp criticism from the United States (US).

The probe has been moved from the Department of Defence and Military Veterans to the Presidency in a bid to safeguard its independence and ensure its concluded in one month.

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At the heart of the investigation are serious allegations that despite Ramaphosa’s clear order to keep Iran out of the Chinese-led naval drill, it was ignored by head of the SA Navy Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese.

The exercise was held off the west coast of Cape Town and involving BRICS-aligned nations sparked international concern.

The US said allowing Iran to participate threatened maritime security and regional stability.

The fallout came amid a deadly crackdown on protesters in Iran that left thousands of people dead.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the panel can summon anyone in the defence force or public service and request documents including classified ones.

Their job is to uncover why the president’s order was not followed, who is responsible and what consequences should follow.

“The panel will investigate and make recommendations in relation to the circumstances surrounding the exercise, the factors that may have contributed to the failure to observe the president’s order, person or person’s responsible and the consequences to follow.”

The findings could reveal deep cracks in the command and control within South Africa’s defence force.