UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT
MEDIA RELEASE
ARMS DEAL PUBLIC HEARINGS A FARCE
STATEMENT
ISSUED BY BANTU HOLOMISA, MP
UDM PRESIDENT
The
UDM is extremely concerned that the arms deal public hearings will continue
despite a request by Mr Richard Young, an unsuccessful bidder, to retain the
right to sue government. The UDM believes that forcing Mr Young to testify on
condition of civil case against the government is a blatant attempt at witness
intimidation. It would constitute a gross injustice to deprive Mr Young of his
legal rights. It is exactly this type of situation that government was warned
against from the outset, when these public hearings were announced.
This is yet another example of behaviour which brings the neutrality and
independence of the investigators into disrepute. Surely government must realise
that the absence of a credible investigation will do untold harm to the country
and will haunt the ANC forever.
Enquiries:
Bantu Holomisa, MP
UDM President
Cape Town
14 August 2001.