South African authorities have launched an investigation after electronic components manufactured domestically were discovered in Russian drones used in the war in Ukraine, officials confirmed this week.

The probe centres on a laser range finder made by LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, which was identified in wreckage from drones downed by Ukrainian forces. The Pretoria-based company said the devices were not designed for military use and were exported for civilian applications such as robotics and surveying.

The LightWare SF30 series laser range finder is a compact lidar sensor widely used in surveying drones, robotics and mining automation.

The company said it had no knowledge or involvement in the diversion of its equipment, blaming “unauthorised intermediaries” for repurposing its civilian technology. It added that its products fall outside the scope of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which regulates South Africa’s defence exports.

The probe comes as Pretoria faces calls to tighten oversight of exports of dual-use goods –civilian technologies that can be repurposed for military use – regulated by the NCACC and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), which monitor South Africa’s trade compliance with UN and Western sanctions.

Founded in 2012, LightWare exports precision laser sensors to more than 70 countries. The firm said all sales comply with local and international export laws, and that it is cooperating fully with authorities to trace the supply chain.

NCACC and DTIC officials said they were reviewing end-user documentation and export routes to determine whether any legislation was breached.

The discovery risks renewing Western scrutiny of Pretoria’s neutrality on the Ukraine conflict, following earlier allegations that South Africa supplied arms to Russia – claims the government denied after a judicial inquiry found no evidence.