Media Statement: Independent arms deal investigation team needed

African Christian Democratic Party MP Adriaan Blaas

4 June 2003

An independent investigation team must be appointed with the necessary legal powers to uncover the truth in the country's controversial multi-billion rand arms deal.

"Arms deals internationally are always under strict scrutiny and South Africa's arms deal was not exempt from this," said ACDP spokesperson on defence Adriaan Blaas.

"From the beginning, it was suspected that the deal was not above board, and the joint investigation team's findings which resulted in Tony Yengeni's resignation and sentencing are proof of this."

The credibility and integrity of the joint investigative team's report was initially accepted, but the report has now also come under suspicion.

"The conclusion that can be reached is that the government is trying to hide something and it is indeed unfortunate that those who were meant to be independent have been incriminated because of influence by the government.

"A full investigation should be carried out by a totally independent investigation team so that the matter can be settled without interference from anyone," Blaas said.



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For more information: Adriaan Blaas MP at 083 284 1629
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307