Statement Issued by Bantu Holomisa, MP
UDM President

The UDM is extremely concerned that the arms deal public hearings will continue despite a request by Mr Richard Young, an unsuccessful bidder, to retain the right to sue government. The UDM believes that forcing Mr Young to testify on condition of civil case against the government is a blatant attempt at witness intimidation. It would constitute a gross injustice to deprive Mr Young of his legal rights. It is exactly this type of situation that government was warned against from the outset, when these public hearings were announced.

This is yet another example of behaviour which brings the neutrality and independence of the investigators into disrepute. Surely government must realise that the absence of a credible investigation will do untold harm to the country and will haunt the ANC forever.

Enquiries:
Bantu Holomisa, MP
UDM President
082 - 552 4156

Cape Town
14 August 2001.


With acknowledgement to Bantu Holomisa and UDM on the Web.