I REFER to comments made by the justice minister (Business Day, April 4).

The Democratic Alliance (DA) raised its reservations about public hearings simply because the joint investigating team consisting of the public protector, the auditor-general and the national director of public prosecutions which is probing the arms deal has yet to release very important details.

This information includes what specific steps will be taken to protect the witnesses appearing before a public hearing in a context where even members of Parliament have received death threats, and what specific steps will be taken to ensure that public hearings do not compromise any key evidence.

The DA raised these grave reservations about these public hearings as the joint investigating team has not released sufficient details of the approach that it wishes to take.

Similarly, the forensic investigation must preferably be completed before any public hearings are convened.

The SA public deserves more from the arms investigation than the possibility of a repeat of the Hansie-gate public catharsis that broke down irretrievably.

Raenette Taljaard Democratic Party MP  

With acknowledgment to Raenette Taljaard and Business Day.