A Russian cargo plane, specifically an Abakan Air Il-76, recently landed in Upington, South Africa, sparking considerable speculation. According to South Africa's Department of Transport, the aircraft was carrying general, non-military cargo, including civilian helicopters and aerobatic aircraft.
The arrival followed a report suggesting the plane might have been transporting weapons to the nearby Vastrap testing range. The report linked the airline to Russia's Wagner Group (Africa Corps) and highlighted its blacklisting by the United States Treasury in June 2024 for allegedly transporting Russian military equipment.
Flight tracking data confirms the Il-76 landed in Upington on October 2nd, arriving from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where it had been since September 18th. Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi clarified that Abakan Air applied for a foreign operator permit on September 9th, which was granted on September 23rd for transporting general cargo, including civilian helicopters and acrobatic aeroplanes.
“It must also be noted that the South African government has not blacklisted the operator. Furthermore, we have no knowledge or receipt of any information from any other government that this operator has been blacklisted,” Msibi stated.
The Il-76 refuelled at Lanseria after landing in Upington before departing the country. African Defence Review Director Darren Olivier emphasized that there's no concrete evidence indicating the aircraft was under contract to the South African government or any other entity. He noted that while the SANDF (South African National Defence Force) regularly charters Il-76s for transporting equipment to and from the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), this particular Abakan Air aircraft was not involved in such operations.
Olivier further dismissed claims of military-related or nuclear cargo as sensationalist, stating there's no proof to support such allegations. He argued that the US sanction on the aircraft doesn't automatically obligate South Africa to deny it entry.
Key Takeaways:
- Russian cargo plane landed in Upington carrying civilian goods.
- Speculation arose regarding potential military cargo, linked to the Wagner Group.
- South African government confirms the airline was permitted to transport general cargo.
- No evidence suggests the plane was carrying military equipment or operating on behalf of the SA government.