Commission judge resignation a setback: DA

The resignation of Judge Francis Legodi from the arms procurement commission is serious setback, the DA said on Thursday.

 

It could result in the commission being extended, Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier said.

 

The commission's chair, Judge Willie Seriti, had to restore public trust in the commission before it started, he said.

 

"The place to begin may be for the commission to make public an interim report on its work," Maynier said.

 

In January senior investigator Norman Moabi resigned, accusing the commission of having a "double agenda". The commission denied this.

 

President Jacob Zuma appointed the commission in 2011 to probe allegations of fraud and corruption in the country's multi-billion rand strategic defence procurement package. Its public hearings are scheduled to start in Pretoria on August 5.

 

Former president Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel are among those scheduled to testify.

 

The Congress of the People said it was shocked but not surprised by Legodi's resignation. It called for Seriti to be replaced.

 

"We are concerned that the commission under the stewardship of Judge Willie Seriti is now hovering above dangerous waters of mistrust," spokesman Johan Abrie said.

 

Earlier, the presidency confirmed Legodi's resignation from the commission.

 

"The president has received the resignation of Judge Legodi with deep regret, and after consulting with him as to the reasons for his resignation has decided to accede to the judge's request," spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

 

"Judge Legodi has tendered his resignation for personal reasons and has requested that such reasons remain confidential," he said.

 

Legodi and Judge Hendrick Musi were appointed to help Seriti.

 

- Sapa