In the Sunday Argus April 1, 2001 it was reported that Ronnie Kasrils, minister of water affairs and forestry, and Max Sisulu, the deputy CEO of Denel, had possibly received kickbacks through the arms deal.

It was also suggested that a source close to the investigations into the arms deal had said that the probe had been widened in response to allegations that several persons had received cars or cash.

The Sunday Argus has ascertained that this allegation was untrue and constituted a defamation of the good character, honesty and reputation of Kasrils and Sisulu.

They were not subject to any investigation relating to the arms deal nor were there allegations made to the investigators that they had received kickbacks or benefits of any kind.

The Sunday Argus was in error and has no hesitation in apologising unreservedly to both Kasrils and Sisulu for the erroneous report published on April 1, 2001 and assures them of the high esteem in which they are held.

With acknowledgements to Sunday Argus and www.iol.co.za