Publication: Cape Argus
Issued:
Date: 2007-02-06
Reporter:
If
Tony Yengeni is reading newspapers these days, he may be feeling a little put
upon. Reports are popping up with alarming regularity that suggest he was far from the only one to benefit in any way from the arms
deal.
This week, for example, German news magazine Der Spiegel
claimed that Chippy Shaik, the former chief of acquisition for the deal, was
allegedly paid a $3 million bribe by arms manufacturer Thyssen-Krupp. It claimed
that the bribe had been paid to Shaik via a non-existent "mailbox company"
called Merian Limited in London in April 2000.
The magazine has been
following the German authorities' investigations into the arms deal. The German
investigators now intend asking for help from the South African National
Prosecuting Authority (NPA). In the UK another investigation into the deal is
being carried out, by Britain's Serious Fraud Office.
In South Africa, however, little has been done since a
joint investigation by the NPA, the Public Protector and the Auditor-General's
office.
Now Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille, who first
blew the whistle on the alleged irregularities, suggests that there is "prima
facie evidence that can lead to (other) prosecutions".
Presidential
spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga responded by saying: "She has got the right to her
opinions. You know the government has dealt with this matter
*1. The investigation is done and it came to the conclusion that there
was no impropriety on the part of the government."
Which is all very
well, but does nothing to dispel the growing perception - both domestically and
internationally - of the arms deal being riddled with corruption.
It
would be in this country's interests to co-operate with the German and British
investigators and to investigate the latest allegations itself. Otherwise
unfortunate perceptions will be left to fester.
With acknowledgement to Cape Argus.
*1 You know the government has
dealt with this matter in its own special way.
It corrupted the process
of investigation and reporting and the Three Stooges went along with their
auditees.