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The Seriti Arms Deal Commission of Inquiry
- Thread starter Hemi300c
- Start date
ToxicBunny
Oi! Leave me out of this...
Another commission? really?
Dlamaqhinga
Expert Member
waste of our money
marine1
Honorary Master
The truth will never come out officially but we all know what happened.
I just think that Mandela also took money
I just think that Mandela also took money
Wasabee!
Executive Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2012
- Messages
- 5,315
- Reaction score
- 1,450
This is a fscking joke, how many, 14 years? Seriously wtf takes so long?
Sad that the average "African" people can't see that their greats leaders stole so much. The funds could have probably given every poor child a tertiary education and built how many schools and other infrastructure.
"VIVA ANC! We love you Jacob, I am a Zulu so I am voting Jacob! VIVA" I can just see the "people" going crazy next year at the elections. Idiots.
Sad that the average "African" people can't see that their greats leaders stole so much. The funds could have probably given every poor child a tertiary education and built how many schools and other infrastructure.
"VIVA ANC! We love you Jacob, I am a Zulu so I am voting Jacob! VIVA" I can just see the "people" going crazy next year at the elections. Idiots.
Fulcrum29
Honorary Master
Desired arms deal cut: 3 billion Rands! Cash!
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Mbeki, Manuel to give evidence in Arms Probe
Former president Thabo Mbeki will testify as a witness in the first phase of the Arms Procurement Commission, it was announced.
The commission, which is probing the R70 billion arms procurement deal, will hold public hearings from August 5 until January 31, subject to President Jacob Zuma granting an extension beyond November, spokesman William Baloyi said in a statement on Monday.
Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel were set to testify in the second half of January.
Baloyi said the first phase of the commission would "deal with the rationale for the Strategic Defence Procurement Package", and whether the arms and equipment acquired were under-utilised or not utilised at all.
The first witnesses would be navy and air force officials. Armscor witnesses would be named later.
Former Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils and Congress of the People president Mosiuoa Lekota would be called as witnesses between September 30 and October 4, followed by department of trade and industry officials until November 11.
Former Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin was expected to testify for three days in November, followed by National Treasury officials until the end of that month.
"It is also important to note that the programme is not cast in stone and circumstances prevailing at the hearings may require that it be adapted or altered, and this may also effect the sequence of witnesses," Baloyi said.
"Some of the witnesses may be recalled at a later stage, when the commission deals with the terms of reference relating to allegations of impropriety, fraud and corruption in the acquisition process, a phase in which the 'whistleblowers' and those who are implicated will feature."
The commission would be held in the council chambers of the Sammy Marks Conference Centre in Pretoria.
The deal, which was initially estimated to cost R43 million, has dogged South Africa's politics since it was signed in 1999, after then Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille raised allegations of corruption in Parliament.
Zuma himself was once charged with corruption after his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who had a tender to supply part of the requirements, was found to have facilitated a bribe for him from a French arms company.
The charges against Zuma were later dropped.
Source : Sapa /mjs/tk/clh
Date : 16 Jul 2013 08:48
Former president Thabo Mbeki will testify as a witness in the first phase of the Arms Procurement Commission, it was announced.
The commission, which is probing the R70 billion arms procurement deal, will hold public hearings from August 5 until January 31, subject to President Jacob Zuma granting an extension beyond November, spokesman William Baloyi said in a statement on Monday.
Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel were set to testify in the second half of January.
Baloyi said the first phase of the commission would "deal with the rationale for the Strategic Defence Procurement Package", and whether the arms and equipment acquired were under-utilised or not utilised at all.
The first witnesses would be navy and air force officials. Armscor witnesses would be named later.
Former Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils and Congress of the People president Mosiuoa Lekota would be called as witnesses between September 30 and October 4, followed by department of trade and industry officials until November 11.
Former Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin was expected to testify for three days in November, followed by National Treasury officials until the end of that month.
"It is also important to note that the programme is not cast in stone and circumstances prevailing at the hearings may require that it be adapted or altered, and this may also effect the sequence of witnesses," Baloyi said.
"Some of the witnesses may be recalled at a later stage, when the commission deals with the terms of reference relating to allegations of impropriety, fraud and corruption in the acquisition process, a phase in which the 'whistleblowers' and those who are implicated will feature."
The commission would be held in the council chambers of the Sammy Marks Conference Centre in Pretoria.
The deal, which was initially estimated to cost R43 million, has dogged South Africa's politics since it was signed in 1999, after then Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille raised allegations of corruption in Parliament.
Zuma himself was once charged with corruption after his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who had a tender to supply part of the requirements, was found to have facilitated a bribe for him from a French arms company.
The charges against Zuma were later dropped.
Source : Sapa /mjs/tk/clh
Date : 16 Jul 2013 08:48
Slightly more detailed list of witnesses. Are they legally compelled to go and give evidence?
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.p...sion-hearings&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.p...sion-hearings&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Extended Arms Inquiry Considered
President Jacob Zuma is considering extending the commission of inquiry into the multi-billion-rand arms deal, the presidency said on Wednesday.
"President Jacob Zuma has received and is considering a request to extend [it] by 12 months," spokesman Mac Maharaj said.
The commission's term was due to expire in November. Its public hearings were scheduled to start next week.
Former president Thabo Mbeki, Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, Former Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils and Congress of the People president Mosiuoa Lekota were some of the people expected to testify in the first phase of the inquiry.
The commission, which is probing the R70 billion arms procurement deal, would hold public hearings from August 5 until January 31 at the council chambers of the Sammy Marks Conference Centre, Pretoria.
The deal, which was initially estimated to cost R43 million, has dogged South Africa's politics since it was signed in 1999, after then Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille raised allegations of corruption in Parliament.
Zuma himself was once charged with corruption after his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who had a tender to supply part of the requirements, was found to have facilitated a bribe for him from a French arms company. The charges against Zuma were dropped in April 2009.
Source : Sapa /gq/hdw/ks/th
Date : 31 Jul 2013 18:11
President Jacob Zuma is considering extending the commission of inquiry into the multi-billion-rand arms deal, the presidency said on Wednesday.
"President Jacob Zuma has received and is considering a request to extend [it] by 12 months," spokesman Mac Maharaj said.
The commission's term was due to expire in November. Its public hearings were scheduled to start next week.
Former president Thabo Mbeki, Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, Former Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils and Congress of the People president Mosiuoa Lekota were some of the people expected to testify in the first phase of the inquiry.
The commission, which is probing the R70 billion arms procurement deal, would hold public hearings from August 5 until January 31 at the council chambers of the Sammy Marks Conference Centre, Pretoria.
The deal, which was initially estimated to cost R43 million, has dogged South Africa's politics since it was signed in 1999, after then Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille raised allegations of corruption in Parliament.
Zuma himself was once charged with corruption after his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who had a tender to supply part of the requirements, was found to have facilitated a bribe for him from a French arms company. The charges against Zuma were dropped in April 2009.
Source : Sapa /gq/hdw/ks/th
Date : 31 Jul 2013 18:11
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Presidency confirms arms inquiry resignation
President Jacob Zuma on Thursday confirmed the resignation of Judge Francis Legodi from the commission probing the multi-billion rand arms deal.
"The President has received the resignation of Judge Legodi with deep regret and after consulting with him as to the reasons for his resignation has decided to accede to the judge's request," presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
"Judge Legodi has tendered his resignation for personal reasons and has requested that such reasons remain confidential," he said.
Legodi and Judge Hendrick Musi were appointed to assist commission chair Judge Willie Seriti to probe allegations of fraud and corruption related to the strategic defence procurement package.
"The President is satisfied that the resignation of Judge Legodi does not impact negatively on the integrity of the commission nor any of its functions, albeit that the timing poses certain challenges," Maharaj said.
Source : Sapa /cp/jk
Date : 01 Aug 2013 12:54
President Jacob Zuma on Thursday confirmed the resignation of Judge Francis Legodi from the commission probing the multi-billion rand arms deal.
"The President has received the resignation of Judge Legodi with deep regret and after consulting with him as to the reasons for his resignation has decided to accede to the judge's request," presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
"Judge Legodi has tendered his resignation for personal reasons and has requested that such reasons remain confidential," he said.
Legodi and Judge Hendrick Musi were appointed to assist commission chair Judge Willie Seriti to probe allegations of fraud and corruption related to the strategic defence procurement package.
"The President is satisfied that the resignation of Judge Legodi does not impact negatively on the integrity of the commission nor any of its functions, albeit that the timing poses certain challenges," Maharaj said.
Source : Sapa /cp/jk
Date : 01 Aug 2013 12:54
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Arms Deal Commission to Proceed
The commission of inquiry into the multi-billion rand arms deal will proceed despite the resignation of a commissioner, commission spokesman William Baloyi said on Friday.
"Definitely, the proceedings of the arms deal commission are on course and will commence on [Monday]," he said.
It was unclear whether Judge Francis Legodi, who resigned from the commission on Thursday, would be replaced.
"We will get guidance from the presidency or the justice department on the matter of whether to replace [Legodi] or proceed with the two," said Baloyi.
Legodi and Judge Hendrick Musi were appointed to help commission chair Judge Willie Seriti probe allegations of fraud and corruption relating to the strategic defence procurement package.
President Jacob Zuma announced the establishment of the commission in October 2011. Since then, it has been dogged by claims that its integrity might be compromised.
A senior commission investigator quit in January. Norman Moabi, a lawyer and former acting judge from Pretoria, alleged in a letter, leaked to Beeld newspaper, that the commission was not being transparent and was concealing an alternative or "second agenda".
Moabi wrote in the letter, which was addressed to Seriti, that he was resigning because of interference and because he had lost faith in the commission's work.
"I joined the commission to serve with integrity, dignity, and dedication to truth. I cannot, in all conscience, pretend to be blind to what is actually going on at the commission," he wrote at the time.
According to Moabi, Seriti ruled the commission with an iron fist and facts were manipulated or withheld from commissioners. Contributions from commissioners who did not pursue the "second agenda" were frequently ignored.
Regarding Legodi's resignation, presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said he quit for personal reasons and had asked that these remain confidential.
On Wednesday, Maharaj said Zuma was considering extending the commission's term by a year. It was scheduled to run until November.
Former president Thabo Mbeki, Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils, and Congress of the People leader Mosiuoa Lekota were among those expected to testify in the first phase of the inquiry.
The deal, which was initially estimated to cost R43 million, has dogged South African politics since it was signed in 1999, after then Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille raised allegations of corruption in Parliament.
Zuma himself was once charged with corruption after his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who won a tender to supply part of the requirements, was found to have facilitated a bribe for him from a French arms company.
The charges against Zuma were dropped in April 2009.
Source : Sapa /nsm/gq/hdw/clh/jk
Date : 02 Aug 2013 11:50
The commission of inquiry into the multi-billion rand arms deal will proceed despite the resignation of a commissioner, commission spokesman William Baloyi said on Friday.
"Definitely, the proceedings of the arms deal commission are on course and will commence on [Monday]," he said.
It was unclear whether Judge Francis Legodi, who resigned from the commission on Thursday, would be replaced.
"We will get guidance from the presidency or the justice department on the matter of whether to replace [Legodi] or proceed with the two," said Baloyi.
Legodi and Judge Hendrick Musi were appointed to help commission chair Judge Willie Seriti probe allegations of fraud and corruption relating to the strategic defence procurement package.
President Jacob Zuma announced the establishment of the commission in October 2011. Since then, it has been dogged by claims that its integrity might be compromised.
A senior commission investigator quit in January. Norman Moabi, a lawyer and former acting judge from Pretoria, alleged in a letter, leaked to Beeld newspaper, that the commission was not being transparent and was concealing an alternative or "second agenda".
Moabi wrote in the letter, which was addressed to Seriti, that he was resigning because of interference and because he had lost faith in the commission's work.
"I joined the commission to serve with integrity, dignity, and dedication to truth. I cannot, in all conscience, pretend to be blind to what is actually going on at the commission," he wrote at the time.
According to Moabi, Seriti ruled the commission with an iron fist and facts were manipulated or withheld from commissioners. Contributions from commissioners who did not pursue the "second agenda" were frequently ignored.
Regarding Legodi's resignation, presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said he quit for personal reasons and had asked that these remain confidential.
On Wednesday, Maharaj said Zuma was considering extending the commission's term by a year. It was scheduled to run until November.
Former president Thabo Mbeki, Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils, and Congress of the People leader Mosiuoa Lekota were among those expected to testify in the first phase of the inquiry.
The deal, which was initially estimated to cost R43 million, has dogged South African politics since it was signed in 1999, after then Pan Africanist Congress MP Patricia de Lille raised allegations of corruption in Parliament.
Zuma himself was once charged with corruption after his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who won a tender to supply part of the requirements, was found to have facilitated a bribe for him from a French arms company.
The charges against Zuma were dropped in April 2009.
Source : Sapa /nsm/gq/hdw/clh/jk
Date : 02 Aug 2013 11:50
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Arms Deal Hearings to start today
Public hearings into alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-million arms deal get underway in Pretoria on Monday.
This would come after a five-month delay and the 11th-hour resignation of one of the commissioners.
The Arms Procurement Commission said on Friday its schedule would not be derailed by Judge Francis Legodi's departure.
"Definitely, the proceedings of the Arms Deal Commission are on course and will commence on [Monday]," commission spokesman William Baloyi said.
But the Democratic Alliance noted that the judge's resignation -- for undisclosed personal reasons -- was "the latest setback in a series of setbacks" suffered by the commission since it was established by President Jacob Zuma in November 2011.
These include the immediate resignation of Judge Willem van der Merwe, followed by those of senior investigator Norman Moabi in January and law researcher Kate Painting in March.
Baloyi said on Sunday that one of the evidence leaders, Tayob Aboobaker, retracted his resignation letter. Baloyi could not disclose why he wanted to resign. However, according to the Sunday Times, which said it had seen the resignation letter, Aboobaker criticised the commission for nepotism, lack of professionalism, and infighting.
When Moabi left the commission he hinted at a whitewash by claiming commission chairman, Judge Willie Seriti, had a "second agenda". He said facts were manipulated and input from independent-minded commissioners was ignored.
On Friday, Moabi commended Legodi for resigning and voiced further doubts about the integrity of the commission's investigation into the arms deal. The deal has dogged South African politics since it was signed and nearly scuppered Zuma's ascent to the presidency.
"I commend the judge for having listened to his conscience and subsequently leaving the commission," Moabi told the Mail & Guardian.
"People should be very wary and watch what unfolds at the commission, if it proceeds. Particularly if any evidence will be heard in camera, for alleged security related issues in the interest of the state." Hearings were initially due to start in March, with a different list of witnesses from those now expected to be called.
They include former president Thabo Mbeki, former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota and his deputy Ronnie Kasrils, as well as then finance minister Trevor Manuel.
Eyebrows have been raised because Fana Hlongwane, an arms consultant and adviser to late defence minister Joe Modise, was taken off the witness list. Seriti said he could not be located.
Hlongwane is suspected of receiving tens of millions of rands in bribes linked to the arms deal. His testimony was therefore seen as crucial to the current investigation.
The Serious Fraud Office in the United Kingdom has alleged that Hlongwane was paid more than five million pounds in illicit fees just before South Africa concluded deals to buy Hawk trainer aircraft and Saab Gripen fighter jets.
Anti-arms deal campaigner Terry Crawford-Browne, who launched a court bid that forced Zuma to appoint the commission, had expressed dismay with the new witness list and the commission's work thus far.
"It seems evident to me that the schedule announced is just more foot-dragging and cover-up, and further evidence of still more bad faith and male fide," Crawford-Browne said.
In the meanwhile, the commission had acknowledged concerns it may run out of time and money.
It was appointed until November with a budget of R40 million. But the hearings were scheduled to continue until January next year, with Baloyi saying their completion was contingent on Zuma extending the commission's term.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj has said the presidency was considering this.
Source : Sapa /ef/hdw/th/ml/gq
Date : 05 Aug 2013 02:04
Public hearings into alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-million arms deal get underway in Pretoria on Monday.
This would come after a five-month delay and the 11th-hour resignation of one of the commissioners.
The Arms Procurement Commission said on Friday its schedule would not be derailed by Judge Francis Legodi's departure.
"Definitely, the proceedings of the Arms Deal Commission are on course and will commence on [Monday]," commission spokesman William Baloyi said.
But the Democratic Alliance noted that the judge's resignation -- for undisclosed personal reasons -- was "the latest setback in a series of setbacks" suffered by the commission since it was established by President Jacob Zuma in November 2011.
These include the immediate resignation of Judge Willem van der Merwe, followed by those of senior investigator Norman Moabi in January and law researcher Kate Painting in March.
Baloyi said on Sunday that one of the evidence leaders, Tayob Aboobaker, retracted his resignation letter. Baloyi could not disclose why he wanted to resign. However, according to the Sunday Times, which said it had seen the resignation letter, Aboobaker criticised the commission for nepotism, lack of professionalism, and infighting.
When Moabi left the commission he hinted at a whitewash by claiming commission chairman, Judge Willie Seriti, had a "second agenda". He said facts were manipulated and input from independent-minded commissioners was ignored.
On Friday, Moabi commended Legodi for resigning and voiced further doubts about the integrity of the commission's investigation into the arms deal. The deal has dogged South African politics since it was signed and nearly scuppered Zuma's ascent to the presidency.
"I commend the judge for having listened to his conscience and subsequently leaving the commission," Moabi told the Mail & Guardian.
"People should be very wary and watch what unfolds at the commission, if it proceeds. Particularly if any evidence will be heard in camera, for alleged security related issues in the interest of the state." Hearings were initially due to start in March, with a different list of witnesses from those now expected to be called.
They include former president Thabo Mbeki, former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota and his deputy Ronnie Kasrils, as well as then finance minister Trevor Manuel.
Eyebrows have been raised because Fana Hlongwane, an arms consultant and adviser to late defence minister Joe Modise, was taken off the witness list. Seriti said he could not be located.
Hlongwane is suspected of receiving tens of millions of rands in bribes linked to the arms deal. His testimony was therefore seen as crucial to the current investigation.
The Serious Fraud Office in the United Kingdom has alleged that Hlongwane was paid more than five million pounds in illicit fees just before South Africa concluded deals to buy Hawk trainer aircraft and Saab Gripen fighter jets.
Anti-arms deal campaigner Terry Crawford-Browne, who launched a court bid that forced Zuma to appoint the commission, had expressed dismay with the new witness list and the commission's work thus far.
"It seems evident to me that the schedule announced is just more foot-dragging and cover-up, and further evidence of still more bad faith and male fide," Crawford-Browne said.
In the meanwhile, the commission had acknowledged concerns it may run out of time and money.
It was appointed until November with a budget of R40 million. But the hearings were scheduled to continue until January next year, with Baloyi saying their completion was contingent on Zuma extending the commission's term.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj has said the presidency was considering this.
Source : Sapa /ef/hdw/th/ml/gq
Date : 05 Aug 2013 02:04
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Arms Inquiry adjourned to 19th August
The inquiry into the multi-million arms deal was adjourned to August 19 on Monday.
It started just after 10am in Pretoria, but lawyers for the defence department asked for a two week postponement.
This was to allow the declassification of documents which would be needed during the public hearings.
Arms Procurement Commission chairman Judge Willie Seriti said he did not see this as unreasonable.
Seriti started proceedings by giving a short background on how the commission was set up and how witnesses were selected.
"Our evidence leaders consulted with all those witnesses... They were satisfied that those people would be able to assist with the commission," Seriti told those gathered at the Tshwane Council Chambers for the public hearings.
The commission's evidence leaders would lead the witnesses in questioning. The departments of defence and trade and industry had appointed their own lawyers.
Seriti said he received a draft of a urgent court application against the commission on Sunday night. After reading it he realised that many of the issues had already been considered.
One of these was whether the commission could continue with only two commissioners, following the resignation of Judge Francis Legodi. The applicant, the defence force, felt the commission could not proceed with just two commissioners. Seriti said that was a decision President Jacob Zuma needed to make.
He asked the evidence leaders if they were ready to proceed. Evidence leader, Tayob Aboobaker SC, said they were.
Source : Sapa /gq/jm/th/jje
Date : 05 Aug 2013 11:17
The inquiry into the multi-million arms deal was adjourned to August 19 on Monday.
It started just after 10am in Pretoria, but lawyers for the defence department asked for a two week postponement.
This was to allow the declassification of documents which would be needed during the public hearings.
Arms Procurement Commission chairman Judge Willie Seriti said he did not see this as unreasonable.
Seriti started proceedings by giving a short background on how the commission was set up and how witnesses were selected.
"Our evidence leaders consulted with all those witnesses... They were satisfied that those people would be able to assist with the commission," Seriti told those gathered at the Tshwane Council Chambers for the public hearings.
The commission's evidence leaders would lead the witnesses in questioning. The departments of defence and trade and industry had appointed their own lawyers.
Seriti said he received a draft of a urgent court application against the commission on Sunday night. After reading it he realised that many of the issues had already been considered.
One of these was whether the commission could continue with only two commissioners, following the resignation of Judge Francis Legodi. The applicant, the defence force, felt the commission could not proceed with just two commissioners. Seriti said that was a decision President Jacob Zuma needed to make.
He asked the evidence leaders if they were ready to proceed. Evidence leader, Tayob Aboobaker SC, said they were.
Source : Sapa /gq/jm/th/jje
Date : 05 Aug 2013 11:17
MickeyD
RIP
19
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Let's hope 19 people don't get killed before then.
Hemi300c
Honorary Master
Unless they on my if only list.......
bekdik
Honorary Master
All of this is manipulation to drag out any kind of inquiry until legislation can be passed which will render such inquiry toothless, similar to the quashing of the zuma corruption trial where the npa was rendered toothless by manipulating the npa. No useful inquiry will ever take place and those involved will be determined to be innocent of any wrongdoing.
Recruitsmiths
Senior Member
Agreed! Only an independant Judicary could preside and pass an un-biased ruling in this whole rigma role! Problem is we don't have an independant Judicary in SA....all are in the pockets of the ruling party!
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Zuma won't replace inquiry judge
President Jacob Zuma will not replace Judge Francis Legodi after he resigned from the Seriti Commission of Inquiry into the arms deal, the presidency said on Tuesday.
"President Zuma has reconstituted the commission and it is now composed of Justice Willie Seriti as its chairperson and Justice Thekiso Musi as a member," the presidency said in a statement.
"The president remains confident that the commission will successfully complete its work."
On Monday, Seriti said he received a draft of an urgent court application against the commission on Sunday night. One of the concerns raised was whether the commission could continue with only two commissioners, following Legodi's resignation last week.
The applicant, the defence department, believed the commission could not proceed with just two commissioners. Seriti said that was a decision Zuma needed to make.
The commission is investigating alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-billion rand arms deal. Public hearings were scheduled to get underway in Pretoria on Monday, but were postponed for two weeks.
Source : Sapa /fg/th
Date : 06 Aug 2013 10:53
President Jacob Zuma will not replace Judge Francis Legodi after he resigned from the Seriti Commission of Inquiry into the arms deal, the presidency said on Tuesday.
"President Zuma has reconstituted the commission and it is now composed of Justice Willie Seriti as its chairperson and Justice Thekiso Musi as a member," the presidency said in a statement.
"The president remains confident that the commission will successfully complete its work."
On Monday, Seriti said he received a draft of an urgent court application against the commission on Sunday night. One of the concerns raised was whether the commission could continue with only two commissioners, following Legodi's resignation last week.
The applicant, the defence department, believed the commission could not proceed with just two commissioners. Seriti said that was a decision Zuma needed to make.
The commission is investigating alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-billion rand arms deal. Public hearings were scheduled to get underway in Pretoria on Monday, but were postponed for two weeks.
Source : Sapa /fg/th
Date : 06 Aug 2013 10:53
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Crawford-Browne Application Rejected
A bid by arms deal activist Terry Crawford-Browne to cut short the work of the Seriti Commission of Inquiry was rejected on Tuesday.
Commissioner Judge Thekiso Musi said Crawford-Browne's application to the commission asked it to ignore its terms of reference.
"This application is an invitation to the commission to abandon its terms of reference. It's not attenable (attainable)," he said.
Crawford-Browne read a letter to the commission on Tuesday in which he lodged various complaints and made a number of suggestions.
Commission chairman Judge Willie Seriti said he received the letter on Monday. Crawford-Browne said there were 23 points in the letter. Musi went through some of the points and his objections to them.
Crawford-Browne had asked, among other things, that the commission write to President Jacob Zuma stating that the arms deal contracts were illegal.
"This is the matter of investigation. There isn't any conclusive evidence on this point," Musi said.
Crawford-Browne alleged that some of the equipment bought was inoperable and sitting in storage and called for all contracts to be cancelled. Musi said these were allegations the defence force had been called to clarify.
"This can't be regarded as fact," he said.
Contracts could not be cancelled on the basis of allegations.
"Before making findings and recommendations we need to investigate the alleged bribery and fraud. We can't make recommendations before."
There was no merit to Crawford-Browne's application and Musi recommended that Seriti dismiss it. Seriti said he was not inclined to grant the application.
"Therefore his request is rejected."
President Jacob Zuma appointed the commission in 2011 to investigate alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-billion rand arms deal.
Source : Sapa /gq/gm/jk/th
Date : 20 Aug 2013 13:01
A bid by arms deal activist Terry Crawford-Browne to cut short the work of the Seriti Commission of Inquiry was rejected on Tuesday.
Commissioner Judge Thekiso Musi said Crawford-Browne's application to the commission asked it to ignore its terms of reference.
"This application is an invitation to the commission to abandon its terms of reference. It's not attenable (attainable)," he said.
Crawford-Browne read a letter to the commission on Tuesday in which he lodged various complaints and made a number of suggestions.
Commission chairman Judge Willie Seriti said he received the letter on Monday. Crawford-Browne said there were 23 points in the letter. Musi went through some of the points and his objections to them.
Crawford-Browne had asked, among other things, that the commission write to President Jacob Zuma stating that the arms deal contracts were illegal.
"This is the matter of investigation. There isn't any conclusive evidence on this point," Musi said.
Crawford-Browne alleged that some of the equipment bought was inoperable and sitting in storage and called for all contracts to be cancelled. Musi said these were allegations the defence force had been called to clarify.
"This can't be regarded as fact," he said.
Contracts could not be cancelled on the basis of allegations.
"Before making findings and recommendations we need to investigate the alleged bribery and fraud. We can't make recommendations before."
There was no merit to Crawford-Browne's application and Musi recommended that Seriti dismiss it. Seriti said he was not inclined to grant the application.
"Therefore his request is rejected."
President Jacob Zuma appointed the commission in 2011 to investigate alleged corruption in the 1999 multi-billion rand arms deal.
Source : Sapa /gq/gm/jk/th
Date : 20 Aug 2013 13:01