The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the landing of a sanctioned commercial military aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base on April 24, which it says is the latest example of South Africa’s pro-Russia foreign policy.

The aircraft is said to be owned by Aviacon Zitotrans, a commercial airline sanctioned by the US and the UK on January 26 for the company’s “involvement in transporting armaments and components on behalf of the Russian armed forces”.

The DA will write to Minister of Defence Thandi Modise to request her to account for why the aircraft was allowed to land at Waterkloof and whether it was normal practice for goods to be brought in through an Air Force base for foreign missions.

“The landing follows the ANC government’s continued refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at world forums,” DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Affairs Kobus Marais stated.

The DA raised concerns over the potential breaches of security and protocol following joint naval exercises off the KwaZulu-Natal coast in February and December, and a Russian cargo vessel alleged to have docked in Simon’s Town Naval Base carrying unknown cargo.

“South Africa has a responsibility to ensure that our airspace and military bases are not used for purposes that are in contravention of our laws and international obligations,” Marais said.