DA takes the lead in call for Arms Deal Public Submissions

Today the Democratic Alliance (DA) has sent out a written appeal to a number of key individuals who have substantive knowledge of the Strategic Defence Procurement Package (Arms Deal) process, requesting that they make written submissions on any evidence they may have of possible wrongdoing associated with the arms deal, either to the DA or to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).

We have taken the lead in managing this process in light of the decision taken last month taken by the members of SCOPA to study submissions on the Arms Deal received from the public. In addition to the selected individuals whom we have already called upon to make submissions, we would like to cast the net wider and make a general appeal to the public to send in any information they may have on the Arms Deal, either directly to the DA (to fax number 086 665 0978) or to SCOPA.

The DA will ensure that all submissions received from the public are presented to SCOPA and read and discussed.

We will do everything necessary to see that the question of alleged corruption surrounding the Arms Deal is finally put to rest, and in this regard we call upon all South Africans who are in possession of key information to come forward, so that this process can begin in earnest.

Should we obtain new evidence or new information on this matter, we will present it to SCOPA, with the recommendation that the committee honours its earlier undertaking to reopen the Arms Deal investigation.

Statement issued by Eddie Trent, MP, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on the arms deal, November 12 2008