Arms Deal still not resolved - WHY?

Scopa swoops on Hawks
CAIPHUS KGOSANA | 13 June, 2011 16:09


Image by: Halden Krog / The Times


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Parliament's public finance watchdog Scopa is taking on the Hawks, the elite police unit, over its decision to shut down an investigation into the arms deal.

public finance watchdog Scopa is taking on the Hawks, the elite police unit, over its decision to shut down an investigation into the arms deal.

Scopa chairman Themba Godi wants a written explanation as to why the investigation has been halted.

But the Hawks say they have complied with all requests from Scopa for information.

Godi is supported by the DA, which has accused the unit of undermining parliament by refusing to co-operate. He said he had written several letters to the Hawks but had not received a response.

"We wanted them to respond in writing and give us the exact reasons why the investigation is no longer ongoing. They didn't bother to respond despite a commitment to do so," he said.

Last year Anwar Dramat, the head of the Hawks, told Scopa R480-million in bribes might have been paid to top figures to secure a slice of the R43-billion arms procurement package.

Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela said they had complied with all requests from Scopa for information related to the arms deal. He said the last request was in November and they had provided the information.

"If they want to engage, they are welcome to send an invitation. We have nothing to fear about appearing before Scopa," Polela said.

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