President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) national government have been accused of displaying a lack of clarity regarding their position on South Africa’s membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the country’s obligation to apprehend Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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The confusion arises following the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Putin due to his alleged involvement in war crimes during Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Premier Alan Winde expressed concern over the government’s ambiguous stance, particularly in light of reports indicating that President Putin is scheduled to attend a BRICS summit in South Africa later this year.
Winde declared the prospect of Putin’s visit to the country ‘unacceptable and deplorable.’
The Premier also made it clear that the Western Cape Government (WCG) will take decisive action to uphold the rule of law and ensure that Putin is arrested if he sets foot in the province.
He added, ‘Putin has consistently and violently eroded the freedoms of the Ukrainian people and those in his own country who dare take a principled stand against his brutal actions. If the Russian leader sets foot in the Western Cape we as the provincial government will have him arrested by our own Western Cape Government funded Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers. If the South African Police Service is not instructed to act, we will.’
Winde emphasised the provincial government’s commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of its citizens, as well as showing solidarity with Ukraine.
As South Africa celebrated Freedom Day, marking the country’s long and difficult path to democracy, Premier Winde expressed dismay over the ANC government’s priorities.
He stated that the provincial government is willing to take a stand against the ‘brute force’ unleashed by Russia on civilians in Ukraine and ensure that the freedoms of South Africans are protected.
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Picture: @Our_DA / Twitter