Arms deal lawyers complain of red tape, obstructions

While the commission probing fraud and corruption in the arms deal prepares to hear evidence from former deputy defence minister Ronnie Kasrils on Monday, lawyers for two critics of the arms deal have complained of unfair treatment.

Lawyers for Human Rights, representing former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein and researcher Paul Holden at the Arms Procurement Commission, complained on Tuesday that they could not cross-examine Jonathan Kamerman, a former director of Project Sitron, which acquired four frigates for the SA Navy in 1999.

They said they are still waiting for documents requested from the commission more than a year ago.

They also asked for the contracts on which the arms deal was based, which would allow them to effectively cross-examine former trade and industry minister Alec Erwin on the appropriateness of offsets or trade agreements.

The lawyers also complained that they did not have enough time to prepare to cross-examine Kamerman, a former rear-admiral , whose 108-page statement and more than 400 pages in annexures were given to them and other interested parties on Monday, when his testimony started.

Lawyers for Human Rights attorney David Cote said the legal team only received witness statements on the day of their testimony, making it "next to impossible" to prepare properly or cross-examine.

Commission spokesman William Baloyi said a summary of all witness statements was made available before the witness appeared, providing lawyers sufficient time to prepare.

He said interested parties should indicate which specific documents they require, and not make a blanket request for all documents.

However, Cote said it was impossible to base cross-examination on the statement summary or to request specific documents as it was unclear what documents were available.