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Today, during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), the Democratic Alliance (DA) proposed that Scopa use its parliamentary powers to recall General Anwa Dramat of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI, or “the Hawks”) and Advocate Menzi Simelane of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to explain the decision to terminate the investigation into the arms deal. The need to re-open the investigation was reinforced by recent revelations that BAE Systems, formerly a partner of Swedish company SAAB, paid R 24 million in commissions to a South African recipient, reportedly Fana Hlongwana, who at the time was an advisor to former Minister of Defence, Jeff Modise.
The DA is disappointed that the other opposition party members of Scopa, including its chairperson, Themba Godi MP, were not prepared to support the DA proposal, which was vigorously opposed by the ANC members of the committee.
It seems clear to the DA, and to many South Africans, that General Dramat has a case to answer concerning his decision to close the investigation. It is clear from the Hawks memorandum recently obtained by the DA’s Defence Spokesperson, David Maynier MP, that the reasons given for terminating the investigation were inadequate.
Scopa has undertaken to request the Hawks and the NPA to provide further clarification, in writing, of the reasons given in the memorandum for closing the investigation. The DA will be monitoring their responses closely, and will continue our efforts to ensure effective parliamentary oversight of decisions surrounding the arms deal investigation. To this end, it is essential that the key players be held accountable by Scopa in public hearings.