Judge Willie Seriti
File photo: Etienne Creux

Cape Town - The commission of inquiry into allegations of fraud and corruption in South Africa's multi-billion arms deal is set to start on August 5, the commission confirmed on Thursday.

“A comprehensive statement will be issued either tomorrow (Friday) or on Saturday,” spokesman William Baloyi told Sapa.

This would include the names of those set to testify.

Twelve whistleblowers were initially called to testify *1 in the first round of hearings on March 4. These were postponed because the commission was not ready.

In a statement at the time, the commission said the hearings would run up to the end of November this year.

On Thursday, Baloyi said the commission - which is chaired by Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Willie Seriti - had “applied for an extension” beyond the end of this year.

The commission was appointed by President Jacob Zuma. Its terms of reference were announced by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe in October 2011.

In January this year, the commission's senior investigator, Norman Moabi, resigned, accusing the commission of having a “double agenda”.

This was strongly denied by the commission.

It is understood the commission will sit at the Sammy Marks Conference Centre in Pretoria. - Sapa

With acknowledgement to INLSA, SAPA and Independent Online.

*1       Not quite.

Fana Hlongwane cannot at best stretch be termed a whistleblower.

Frothblower maybe.

But in any case he refused to testify.

Secondly, Andrew Woods does not exist.

That might be funny to most, but not to anyone who have to suffer the indignity of giving evidence and being cross-examined during this commssion.

Been there and done that.

Not even a T-shirt.


But in the meantime, herewith below is my email to the commission an hour ago.

2013-07-12

Without Prejudice | Confidential | Legally Privileged

The Head of Legal Research
Arms Procurement Commission of Enquiry
Council Chambers
Cnr Lilian Ngoyi and Madiba Streets
Pretoria
Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality Pretoria
0002
Gauteng

T       : 012 358 3999
C       : 078 095 9452
E       : Fanyana Mdumbe <fmdumbe@armscomm.org.za>


Dear Adv Mdumbe

It's a pity I get most of the information about the commission that affects me from journalists and the media.

It's not meant to be like that.

The whistleblowing witnesses should know long in advance who is going to testify and be furnished with summaries of their evidence in order that the former can cross-examine them. Legal teams need to be appointed and their time booked.

Just like the whistleblowing witnesses have long been made known and are furnishing the implicated parties with summaries of their evidence in order that the latter can cross-examine the former.

Three weeks is not sufficient notice and we do not even know yet.

Right from the beginning I offered co-operation, but on a completely reciprocal basis.


This is sounding more and more like the Baqwa Commission of Misconduct.


Yours sincerely



Richard Young

Without Prejudice | Confidential | Legally Privileged