Arms deal critics are optimistic

Two of the arms deal's fiercest critics believe the truth will eventually come out.

Former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein and arms deal researcher Hennie van Vuuren said yesterday that challenges ranging from postponements to resignations would not stop the Arms Procurement Commission from doing its work.

The commission, chaired by Judge Willie Seriti, is investigating allegations of fraud, corruption or irregularity in the acquisition of arms for the South African National Defence Force.

The commission should be encouraged to continue its task, Feinstein said, because if corruption in a contract was discovered then the government could recoup some of the R70-billion it spent.

However, Van Vuuren said the problem of accessing witness statements extended to obtaining crucial documents. Since February last year, they had requested 11 batches of crucial documents and had so far received only one, he said.