US-SA relations | Economist warns of damage to rand

JOHANNESBURG - Economist Azar Jammine says claims South Africa supplied arms to Russia are damaging to the rand.

The rand crashed to its previous record intra-day low on Thursday.

READ: Rand tumbles on claims that SA armed Russia

US ambassador Reuben Brigety said he has concrete evidence of weapons loaded onto 'Lady R'.

The Russian freighter docked in the Simon's Town naval base last December.

READ: US-SA relations | US welcomes probe of Russian arms

Brigety says the vessel left the base fully loaded with weapons and ammunition.

The Presidency says the matter has already been discussed with the US and that it's probing the claims.

It's slamming what it calls the ambassador's 'counter-productive public posture'.