The Democratic Alliance is shocked that Justice Minister Penuell Maduna had refused to meet a party delegation about the probe into South Africa's R43-billion arms acquisition deal, DA Chief Whip Douglas Gibson said on Friday.

According to Gibson, Maduna was making a mistake by dismissing such a meeting as "political". 

"In every other democracy meetings take place between the government and the official opposition to the benefit of the country. 

"South Africa seems to be the exception," he said. 

'It might surprise him to learn that the DA has a constructive contribution to make'

On Thursday a justice department statement issued on behalf of Maduna said it was not a political matter and "we do not want to politicise it by holding separate meetings with individual parties.

"They should table their motions in parliament and then government will respond according to parliamentary procedure on the progress made in the matter. 

"We are not interested in meeting with individual parties regarding matters which can be cleared up through parliamentary channels.

"From the side of government there is no intention to sweep this matter under the carpet. Any such allegations are malicious." 

On Friday, Gibson said Maduna seemed to believe that he possessed all the wisdom.

"It might surprise him to learn that the DA has a constructive contribution to make in public life.

"There are suspicions that the government is attempting to cover up in the arms probe and Minister Maduna's latest action will add fuel to the flames," Gibson said. - Sapa 

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Independent Online.