In your article, Chippy Shaik speaks out about arms-deal papers (July 30), Shaik said he "heard of a case where an old-guard army general had a factory in his backyard producing military uniforms. He was given contracts by his pals in Armscor."

Shaik also said "a lot of other top brass from Armscor" obtained cheap Mercedes-Benz cars. Armscor, a professional acquisition organisation, has never given contracts to "our pals" nor has our top brass got cheap Mercedes-Benzes.

We have proper tender practices and accountable structures in place that make it impossible to award contracts to "our pals".

Armscor prides itself on providing equipment of the highest standards to the SA National Defence Force and other clients.

A factory in the backyard of anyone would have been a disqualifying factor in terms of our strict value system.

Shaik should refrain from making public statements which are vague, untested and based on hearsay.

With acknowledgements to Bertus Celliers and the Business Day.