A Navy chief is catching heat for defying a presidential order. South African Vice Admiral Monde Lobese faces investigation over Iranian involvement in naval exercises. President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly instructed Iran to withdraw from the Exercise Will for Peace drills near Cape Town.
That directive was apparently ignored, allowing the participation to proceed. Defense Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed the instruction was formally communicated and agreed upon. She has now convened a Board of Inquiry to examine the situation.
The board must determine if the President's command was misunderstood or deliberately disregarded. It has a strict deadline to finish its probe. While Lobese is the immediate focus, Minister Motshekga's authority is also under scrutiny.
Reports suggest her control over military affairs is being examined separately. The inquiry centers on events in False Bay, southeast of Cape Town. The entire incident involves Iran's role in the international naval exercise.
That directive was apparently ignored, allowing the participation to proceed. Defense Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed the instruction was formally communicated and agreed upon. She has now convened a Board of Inquiry to examine the situation.
The board must determine if the President's command was misunderstood or deliberately disregarded. It has a strict deadline to finish its probe. While Lobese is the immediate focus, Minister Motshekga's authority is also under scrutiny.
Reports suggest her control over military affairs is being examined separately. The inquiry centers on events in False Bay, southeast of Cape Town. The entire incident involves Iran's role in the international naval exercise.
