Pictures purportedly showing President Jacob Zuma at the opening of an arms factory in Saudi Arabia have surfaced.
The pictures were posted by the World Defense website on March 29.
Zuma was photographed alongside the Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Seen in the background of one of the pictures were South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and State Security Minister David Mahlobo, who had joined Zuma on his state visit to Saudi Arabia.
In another picture, a smiling Zuma is seen standing next to the King. In between them is a placard which partially reads: "The Honorable President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma Mr Jacob Zuma Inaugurates Military Projectiles Factory."
DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, also took to his Twitter account to post one of the picture
Meanwhile, the Presidency has remained mum on Zuma's involvement in the opening of the factory.
Questions posed to the Presidency about the factory remained unanswered on Thursday.
During Zuma's visit to Saudi Arabia last month, the presidency shared pictures and updates on Zuma's activities on Twitter.
These included him being awarded the King Abdulazeez First Order which is given to heads of state and kings by Saudi Arabia.
But there was no mention of the weapons factory.
It was understood that South Africa's military equipment manufacturer, Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) and Saudi Military Industries Corporation (Samic) had joined forces in the factory venture.
The factory was reportedly expected to produce mortars, artillery shells and aircraft-borne bombs, weighing up to 907kg, which would mainly be used by the Royal Saudi Armed Forces.
Source:news24
