PEOPLE making allegations of corruption about SA's multibillion-rand arms deal should be prepared to submit to public hearings, says Justice Minister Penuell Maduna.

He said in the National Council of Provinces during debate on the so-called Heath bill yesterday that he was "flabbergasted" by the Democratic Alliance's opposition to public hearings on the arms deal.

"I want to encourage anyone with allegations of irregularities to come forward and submit to public hearings. There is no reason why they should want to hide in camera' hearings."

People with vital evidence regarding the deal should be prepared to repeat comments they had made "so brazenly".

Maduna also said the cabinet had nothing to hide and was prepared to submit to thorough questioning on the primary contracts associated with the deal.

It could not answer questions on the subcontracts as these were not covered by government. "I am saying our accusers must come forward nothing will be hidden from the public."

The three agencies conducting the probe into allegations of corruption surrounding the deal announced last week that certain aspects of the investigation would be conducted in public.

Public Protector Selby Baqwa, national director of public prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka and Auditor-General Shauket Fakie said this would be done without compromising the forensic or criminal aspects of the investigation, or endangering the safety of the witnesses and informants. Sapa.

With acknowledgement to Business Day.