Johannesburg - The chairman of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), Themba Godi yesterday said he would consider the Democratic Alliance's (DA) request to ensure that corruption related to the arms deal was dealt with properly.

Godi confirmed that he had received a letter from the DA at the weekend.

Earlier, Godi had lambasted Eddie Trent, DA's spokesman on the arms deal, for communicating with him through the media. *1

The DA had urged Godi to summon Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, and Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mphahlwa to ensure that the numerous unanswered questions regarding corruption related to the arms deal were resolved.

In a separate development, Helen Zille, leader of the DA said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must stand firm in the face of pressure from ANC president Jacob Zuma to drop charges.

She said reports that Zuma's legal team would be making a representation to the NPA indicated Zuma's increasing desperation.

"He and his allies are casting around for any way out - political, legal or otherwise - to ensure that he avoids facing his day in court," said Zille.

"If Zuma is not guilty of corruption, then why is he unwilling to answer the charges against him in a court of law?"

Zille added that the NPA, in prosecuting Zuma and other high profile individuals, had demonstrated that it operated "without fear, favour or prejudice" as it was constitutionally obliged to do.

With acknowledgements to Mpho Dube and The Citizen.