Two forensic auditors have been dropped from the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal investigation, this is according to the Office of the Public Protector. Nicolette Teichmann, spokesperson, said one of the men was taken off the probe because he was an auditor for the Department of Defence. Teichmann added that the decision, taken by the auditor-general, followed months of "restructuring".  

According to reports, Wally van Heerden and Etienne Smit, have been dropped from investigation. Both men were key players in the special review of the arms deal that revealed flaws in the procurement process. Teichmann, said she could not confirm the names of the two men, and referred enquiries to the auditor-general's spokesperson, who was not available.  

Van Heerden told Sapa yesterday, he withdrew from the investigations about two months ago. "But there are a few matters I'd like to clarify before I can make any further comment," he added.

Public Hearing to Continue Today

Meanwhile, the public hearing on the R43 billion arms deal probe will resume in the Pretoria High Court this morning. A ruling is expected on whether radio and television will be allowed to broadcast the hearing. 

The decision to postpone was taken by Selby Baqwa, Public Protector, after Michael Kuper, the senior counsel for the Defence Department, contended the subject matter in the hearing was complicated and required more study and preparation from his team.

Three government agencies, the Public Protector's office, the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Auditor-General's Office are probing about 50 allegations of wrong-doing in the arms deal at the request of Parliament's watchdog public accounts committee.

In terms of the deal, signed in 1999, over the next few years, South Africa will acquire four corvettes, three submarines, 30 light utility helicopters, 24 Hawk fighter trainers and 28 Gripen advanced light fighter aircraft. 

With acknowledgement to Sapa and SABC News.