PRELIMINARY findings of the forensic investigation into aspects of the R43bn arms deal would be presented to the public during the public hearings which kick off in Pretoria on Monday, auditor general Shauket Fakie said yesterday.

He said the main aim of the hearings being chaired by Public Protector Selby Baqwa would be to promote transparency. He conceded that not much new evidence and information was expected to be uncovered.

However, the hearings would provide the three investigating agencies the auditor-general, the public protector and the national directorate of public prosecutions the opportunity to present their preliminary findings to those involved and to ask them to respond. These responses would then be incorporated into the final report. Linda Ensor.

SARS investigates undeclared R100m

THE SA Revenue Service was investigating undeclared income of R100m in the financial industry, commissioner Pravin Gordhan said yesterday when he appeared before Parliament's public accounts committee to deal with the auditorgeneral's report.

He said that there were 107 criminal investigations conducted last year which resulted in 27 convictions and 121 years of imprisonment. Internal corruption had resulted in 57 dismissals and five convictions. The total value of drugs seized by customs was R1,24bn. Linda Ensor.

Air force members used fake dollars'

DEFENCE Minister Mosiuoa Lekota yesterday admitted that SA Air Force members on duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo attempted to pay for fuel and landing rights with counterfeit US dollars worth R160000. Lekota said the investigation was at a sensitive stage but he was confident that those who gave the crews the fake money would be caught. Wyndham Hartley.

Head of police crime unit faces fraud probe

THE head of the SA Police Service's organised crime component and assistant commissioner in the detective services, Albert Eksteen, is being investigated after allegations of fraud committed in the past two years. Sibusiso Bubesi.

Alleged plot against Mbeki haunts Tshwete

THE alleged plot to discredit and eventually oust President Thabo Mbeki came back yesterday to haunt Safety and Security Minister Steve Tshwete in Parliament or did it?

"Evidence or no evidence", Tshwete said, he had to act on the information he had received and did not have to discuss it with the president.

With acknowledgment to Vuyo Myoko and Business Day.