Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor of South Africa has stated that the government will have to discuss the arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin before taking any action.
Mr. Putin is scheduled to visit South Africa in August for the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit.
On March 17, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Mr Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
As a signatory to the Rome Statute, South Africa is legally obligated to detain and prosecute Putin.
According to Ms Pandor, the South African authorities will first consult with the Russian side about the warrant.
“South Africa will have to look at existing provisions of our legislation. We also will have to have a discussion as cabinet, as well as with our colleagues in Russia, and really determine the way forward,” Ms Pandor said to state-run SABC News.
Despite Western condemnation, South Africa maintains close ties with Moscow.