SA 'can't stop arms shipment'

2008-04-17 11:41

Cape Town - South Africa will not interfere with a shipment of weapons aboard a Chinese ship that is destined for Zimbabwe, government communications head Themba Maseko said on Thursday.

"We are not in a position to act unilaterally and interfere in a trade deal between two countries," he told a media briefing.

All South African authorities could do was to make sure that "all proper administrative processes" were followed.

He said the country had to be seen to be "treading very carefully" in its relations with Zimbabwe, given the complexity of facilitating talks between the Movement for Democratic Change and Zanu-PF.

"South Africa is not at all involved in the arrangement, it's a matter between the two countries. It would be possible, but very difficult for SA to start intervening and saying that we will not allow the shipment through."

Maseko said the shipment would be allowed through this country's borders since there was currently no trade embargo against Zimbabwe or regulation to the contrary.

Maseko however added that South Africa was not actively encouraging the purchase of weapons by Zimbabwe.

Die Burger reported on Thursday that the Chinese ship, the An Yue Jiang, was carrying three million rounds of ammunition, 3 500 mortars and mortar tubes as well as 1 500 rocket propelled grenades.

On reports that Chinese troops had been spotted in Mutare, Maseko said: "People spot a lot of things. I haven't heard anything about that".

- SAPA