Ambassador Brigety appeared to refer to a previously known episode, when the Lady R, a cargo vessel under western sanctions flying a Russian flag, docked at South Africa’s largest naval base.

Source: https://www.eyeradio.org/us-ambassador-accuses-south-africa-of-supplying-arms-to-russia/

Brigety was subsequently summoned to a meeting with South Africa’s foreign minister.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/05/16/south-african-army-general-in-moscow-days-after-country-accused-of-sending-weapons-to-russia/

But Brigety said he could not foresee “under any circumstances the United States downgrading or decreasing its political engagement” with the government of South Africa.

Source: https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-05-12-ramaphosa-on-verge-of-losing-investor-confidence-after-us-claims-standard-bank/

It led to a near-diplomatic fallout between the two countries, with calls made for Brigety to be and threats to remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

Source: https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/politics/2023-10-03-white-house-lauds-ramaphosa-for-his-handling-of-lady-r-allegations/

It was shocking that Ambassador Reuben E Brigety II was still in the country, said ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.

Source: https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2023-06-06-mbalula-shocked-us-has-not-recalled-ambassador-brigety/

Sarb noted the diplomatic fallout resulting from recent comments by US Ambassador Reuben Brigety, led to a sharp sell-off in the South African Rand and its worst-ever level against the US Dollar (USD), which traded at R19.51 on 12 May 2023.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/neutral-stance-russian-invasion-affecting-sas-financial-stability/

South Africa’s government requested a meeting with US Ambassador Reuben Brigety after he publicly accused Pretoria of supplying arms to Russia.

Source: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/government/491629-south-africa-says-no-record-weapons-were-sold-to-russia-for-war-in-ukraine.html

The allegations, over which Brigety has apologised to International Relations Minister sent the rand into freefall and placed strain on South Africa’s relations with the US, one of its major trading partners.

Source: https://mg.co.za/politics/2023-05-17-ramaphosas-russia-ukraine-peace-initiative-to-kick-off-in-june/

The US Embassy in South Africa declined to comment on the matter, but referred to the statement made by US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben E. Brigety II.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/premium/south-africa-stands-against-us-bill-monitoring-russian-activities/