Findings of inquiry into arms deal set aside
A scathing judgement by Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo has set aside the findings of the Seriti Commission of Inquiry into the controversial arms deal.
The application was brought to the high court in Pretoria by civil society organizations, Corruption Watch and the Right2Know.
The commission, which cost the taxpayer some R140 million, found no corruption or any wrongdoing during the multibillion arms deal.
However, Mlambo believes the commission failed to test the evidence.
“The evidence leaders failed to ask any questions in regards to the pieces of evidence. In short there was a manifest failure to probe any of the manifold allegations against (controversial businessman Fana) Hlongwane,” he said in his ruling.
Mlambo also questioned Hlongwane's testimony during the commission.
"Hlongwane was permitted to ramble on about all manner of complaints about the motivations of the allegations made against him, which had little to do with the terms of reference of the commission nor did he address any of the allegations against him."
Corruption Watch says while it is not calling for the rerun of the commission, it believes the judgment will set a precedent for the conduct of future commissions.