Warsaw, Poland – The Polish foreign ministry has alleged that the South African Airways (SAA) plane carrying President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security detail was grounded due to the transport of undeclared dangerous or unsafe goods. The plane, which also carried several journalists, has been stranded at Chopin International Airport in Warsaw for nearly 24 hours.
According to a statement from the Polish foreign ministry, the security concerns arose from the presence of dangerous materials on board the aircraft that had not been authorized by South African representatives. Additionally, there were individuals on the plane who had not been previously notified to the Polish authorities.
The flight, which had over 120 people on board, departed from South Africa at approximately 1:30 am on Thursday and encountered issues two hours before reaching Warsaw. Among the passengers were an advance security team responsible for President Ramaphosa’s protection during his mission to seek an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The media contingent accompanying the president was expected to cover and report on Ramaphosa’s meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. As of 3 pm on Friday, the passengers remained uncertain about whether they would be allowed to proceed to St Petersburg, while President Ramaphosa began his journey to Kyiv.
A statement from
the Polish government on the detention of an aircraft with members of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security team at Warsaw Chopin Airport. pic.twitter.com/nMg43MFuXM
— Queenin Masuabi (@Queenin_M) June 16, 2023The Polish foreign ministry stated that it had taken several steps to ensure a smooth trip, including holding three consultative meetings with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), the presidency, and the South African embassy in Poland. The ministry also emphasized that the South African side had been informed about all the necessary formalities for the delegation’s entry into Polish territory and the required transport permits.
After almost 30 hours the South African delegation comprising of journalists and 90 members of the SAPS and SANDF meant to protect the president in his African Peace Mission were allowed to disembark. They will processed at customs and proceed to their hotels #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/ziwO06yjbz
— Ntebo Mokobo (@MokoboNtebo) June 16, 2023The Polish Border Guard reported that passengers on the South African aircraft were given the option to disembark if they left their weapons behind. While the delegation had weapons without proper import permission, they chose to remain on board until the flight could resume. The crew members underwent a border check by the Border Guard officers and then rested.
Efforts are underway to resolve the situation and allow the SAA plane to continue its journey. Both South African and Polish officials are working together to address the issues and ensure the safe passage of President Ramaphosa and his delegation to their destinations.
The delay in Poland has not compromised President Ramaphosa’s security, and measures are being taken to swiftly resolve the impasse. The president’s diplomatic mission to seek a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a priority for the South African government.
 plane carrying President Cyril Ramaphosa's security detail was grounded due to the transport of undeclared dangerous or unsafe goods.){kind=link}