Cape Town - United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa has written to the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) requesting information about claims the company assisted politicians to obtain vehicles.

In a letter addressed to EADS managing director Michael Woerfel, he said the details could assist him in preparing a defence to a proposed inquiry into recent allegations made against National Assembly Speaker Frene Ginwala.

The credibility of the investigation would be placed in question had any of the members of Parliament conducting the inquiry received vehicles from the company.

"I would greatly appreciate any information you would give me to throw more light on this matter," he said.

Ginwala has asked MPs to examine claims by Holomisa that she was guilty of misconduct, bias and dereliction of duty relating to the arms deal.

In an open letter earlier this week, Holomisa claimed Ginwala's conduct in relation to Parliament and the arms deal investigation involved dereliction of duty, intentionally obstructing parliamentary processes, stalling the report by Parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa), and improper interference in the committee's function.

He alleged improper interference in constitutional structures such as the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Public Protector and the office of the Auditor General - the three agencies probing the arms deal.

Allegations defamatory

Ginwala described the allegations as defamatory.

Holomisa, in the letter to Ginwala, also questions the motives of EADS apparently donating 30 motor vehicles to politicians and VIPs.

He asked for clarification from Woerfel on the vehicles "so as that nothing is viewed out of the context of the letter in question".

EADS has been embroiled in the controversy over African National Congress Chief Whip Tony Yengeni's luxury Mercedes 4X4.

In a statement issued last month, EADS said it had "rendered assistance" to about 30 VIPs in obtaining vehicles.

The statement coincided with an admission, in the Sunday Times, from a former EADS executive that a Mercedes also went through the company to Yengeni's wife, Lumka, who works for arms manufacturer Denel.

The EADS announcement followed speculation that Yengeni's vehicle could have been part of a bid by the company to ensure a stake in South Africa's multi-billion rand arms deal.

EADS has denied trying to influence the arms procurement process.

Holomisa has also requested documentation from Ginwala to assist him prepare a defence.

With acknowledgment to Sapa and News24.