The Freedom Front Plus has called on Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota to put his weight behind renewed calls for an investigation into why a number of individuals were given discounted vehicles from a company with an interest in the arms deal.

This is the latest round in a debate in which the FF+ and the Independent Democrats have resuscitated the issue of the discounted vehicles.

"We need the minister to come forward to support a new investigation," FF+ MP Pieter Groenewald told journalist at parliament yesterday.

Groenewald on Friday released a statement in which he gave the impression that Lekota had recently confirmed the existence of a list containing the names of 29 people - including high-ranking military personnel, politicians and public servants - who received up to 15% discount on luxury cars.

Groenewald duly included a list of names in his statement.

Lekota's spokesman, Sam Mkhwanazi, said yesterday the minister had not confirmed the names, and that his statement was made in 2003 in response to a question in parliament.

Lekota had confirmed that he was aware of the existence of the list of names as it had been published in newspapers at the time.

Groenewald yesterday argued that it was a matter of public interest as to why no investigations had been conducted to ascertain the truth of the allegations.

On Wednesday ID leader Patricia de Lille filed a criminal complaint of fraud and corruption against the 29 at Caledon Square Police Station.

With acknowledgements to Boyd Webb and Cape Times.