Presidential panel to investigate naval exercise

Inquiry relocated from Ministry of Defence

SOUTH AFRICA: A new panel, appointed by the President, will see the inquiry into the circumstances that saw the Iranian Navy participation in a recent naval exercise move from the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans to the Presidency.

Announcing the relocation of the inquiry yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa suggested that the decision had been made to ensure an independent and timeous probe.

With one month to finish the investigation, the panel will have the power to summon any member of the defence force and/or public service it needs, and to request for all documents, including classified documents, to fulfil its mandate.

It is unlikely, however, that much of the work being undertaken will become public due to stated “national security considerations”. Some portions may be recommended for public consumption.

The probe relates to the Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace where a direct instruction from the President that the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran must no longer participate in the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026 that took place in South African waters was ignored.

The panel, which will report directly to the President, will be led by Justice BM Ngoepe and includes, Justice K Satchwell, Justice MM Leeuw and R Adm (JG) PT Duze.

They 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.