- Four SA Gazelle helicopters reportedly reached Libya, breaching UN sanctions and local laws.
- Poor oversight risks illegal arms transfers and harms SA’s credibility.
- The DA demands transparency, tighter controls, and investigations.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is alarmed by reports that four South African-registered Gazelle helicopters were flown out of Lanseria International Airport and have ended up in Libya, now serving General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army.
If true, this is a serious violation of both the United Nations arms embargo on Libya and South Africa’s laws governing military exports.
These helicopters were designed for military use. Even if they were demilitarised at some point, reports suggest they were later refitted for combat. Under South Africa’s National Conventional Arms Control Act, military aircraft require strict government permits, verified end-user certificates, and post-delivery checks.
If the helicopters were cleared for Jordan but later appeared in Libya, this is a clear diversion — exactly the type of illegal transfer our laws are meant to prevent. Such actions damage South Africa’s international credibility and risk violating global sanctions.
For years, Parliament has received delayed or incomplete reports from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC). Information about export permits, brokers, and end-users is often limited, and follow-up on deliveries is weak. This secrecy creates conditions where illegal exports can occur.
The DA will submit formal questions to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, requesting full clarity on:
Export permits for these helicopters, including approved destinations and end-users.
Post-shipment checks: when, where, and by whom they were conducted.
Investigations into possible diversion and cooperation with international monitors.
Measures to tighten controls, including serial-number tracking, clearer broker rules, and stronger follow-up after delivery.
South Africa’s defence industry must be built on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Allowing equipment to end up in embargoed conflicts undermines international stability and the protection of human rights. The DA will not allow secrecy and weak oversight to fuel illegal arms transfers.