Retired Judge Ngoepe to head inquiry into Iran’s role in SA’s recent naval drill

Allegations of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instructions being ignored on a recent navy drill will now be investigated by a board appointed by the defence minister.

On Wednesday night, the Defence Ministry announced the appointment of retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe to lead the investigation into Iran’s involvement in the exercise “Will for Peace”.

Earlier this month, the country participated in the drill, which was held off the west coast of Cape Town - despite the president ordering that they withdraw.

Naval drills are an opportunity for countries to be familiar their allies and train with them.

Earlier this month, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga announced an investigation into the exercise “Will for Peace” and allegations of

Ramaphosa’s orders on Iran’s participation are being ignored.

She has announced a four-member board headed by Ngoepe, who will work with retired judges Monica Leeuw and Kathleen Satchwell, as well as navy officer Patrick Duze.

Defence spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini explained: “The aim of the board of inquiry is to investigate and report on the serious allegations that the president’s instructions may have not been carried out, misrepresented and or ignored regarding the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy during exercise ‘Will for Peace 2026’.”

Motshekga has given the board of inquiry seven days from Friday to submit a report, but said consultation with the identified members of the board took longer than expected, thus impacting the deadline set.

READ: DA wants Motshekga to explain Iran's participation in navy drills to Parliament