Johannesburg - The sudden resignation of Denel Aviation chief Johan Holdt sent shock waves through the local aviation community on Tuesday.

It is speculated in aviation circles that his resignation is linked to the recent theft of computers and information on the Rooivalk attack helicopter and the Hawk combat training aircraft.

Holdt (50) was in charge of military aircraft at Denel.

Before joining Denel, he worked as a military aircraft specialist at Krygkor for 18 years and then moved on to Denel's predecessor, Atlas Aircraft Corporation.

On his farm

Flip Botha, senior executive officer of Denel, on Tuesday denied Holdt was suspended about two weeks ago, pending a police and an internal investigation into the burglary.

He said Holdt had decided to take early retirement and to continue his aviation career somewhere else.

"The Denel directors and management thanked him for his contribution (to the aviation division's success). We believe future co-operation - should the opportunity present itself - is possible."

Holdt has been assistant manager of military aircraft since 1992. He became head of the division when Connie Bester, former manager of Denel Aviation, vacated the position in 1999.

Bester was suspended for two months as a result of a difference of opinion with Denel's top management. He won his internal disciplinary case and has since been working for a large international company in England.

Holdt did not want to comment on his resignation on Tuesday. He would reportedly keep himself busy on his farm for a while before considering other career moves.

Accusations flew after the burglary

It is rumoured that accusations flew after the burglary at Denel, as it is suspected that employees had collaborated with the thieves to gain access to the premises.

Holdt's future was apparently at stake when the board of directors convened an urgent meeting after the burglary. Previous disagreements are said to have given momentum to negotiations with Holdt.

There is concern that the aviation division and military aircraft section could be doomed, as there is no logical successor for Holdt.

Botha said reorganisation and input from British aviation giant BAE Systems could be expected, but not at this stage. Negotiations with the British company for the partial takeover of Denel have been going on for some time.

With acknowledgements to Erika Gibson and Beeld.