Publication: The Star Issued: Date: 2007-03-17 Reporter: Wendy Jasson da Costa

No Joint Probe into Arms Deal by State Bodies

 

Publication 

The Star
Date

2007-03-17

Reporter

 Wendy Jasson da Costa

Web Link

www.thestar.co.za

 

Allegations related to wrongdoing in South Africa's arms deal process will not be the subject of a second joint investigation involving the Public Protector, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Auditor-General.

The decision was made at a meeting between the three bodies this week.

Public Protector spokesperson Charles Phahlane said yesterday: "…the three principals came to the conclusion that none of the requests required their joint consideration.

"They agreed that each institution would deal with issues that have been raised based on their own mandates."

Phahlane said this meant they would not reconstitute a joint investigation team, as was the case in the 2001 investigation into the arms deal. He said the Public Protector's office had received a complaint from the Democratic Alliance, which made accusations of wrongdoing against Chippy Shaik.

At the time, Shaik was the head of procurement for the Defence Department in the multibillion-rand arms procurement process. His brother Schabir is currently in jail for, among others, corruption relating to the arms deal.

Phahlane said all three institutions had, in line with their respective mandates, reaffirmed and expressed their willingness to co-operate with any investigative agency that might request their assistance.

Shaik and his brother Yunis could not be reached for comment, while brother Mo declined to comment.

With acknowledgements to Wendy Jasson da Costa and The Star.