Pretoria - The chairperson of the Arms Procurement Commission Judge Willie Seriti has appointed the Secretary of the Commission and ten legal practitioners as evidence leaders.
Judge Seriti, who heads the Commission set up to look into the allegations of fraud, corruption, impropriety or irregularity in the Strategic Defence Procurement Package - known as the Arms Deal, made the announcement on Thursday in Pretoria.
The Secretary is Pretty Luphondo who is on secondment to the Commission by the Justice and Constitutional Development Department for the duration of the inquiry which is two years.
Luphondo replaces the Secretary Designate of the Commission, attorney Mvuseni Ngubane who passed away a month ago.
"She has an impeccable record as a senior manager and an in depth understanding of government policies, she has been actively involved in the establishment of operational systems of the Commission and I have found her to be effective, competent and of value to the commission," said Judge Seriti.
The legal practitioners appointed as evidence leaders are Advocates Tayob Aboobaker SC, Tshepo Sibeko SC, Barry Skinner SC, Simmy Lebaka SC, Moss Mphaga SC, Phumlani Ngobese, Mahlape Sello, Carol Sibiya, Sibusiso Zondi and a senior attorney Matshego Ramagaga.
Besides these legal practitioners, Seriti said in their permanent staff complement they have qualified and experienced legal researchers and attorneys.
"We've no doubt that these legal minds will assist the Commission to carry out its mandate," he said.
Judge Seriti also announced that they have moved to their new office premises at Isivuno House, 21 floor corner Lillian Ngoyi and Madiba streets in Pretoria where they will be housed for the duration of the Commission.
In May, the Commission issued a call for submissions by way of affidavit in respect of all or any of the items or the Terms of Reference to all interested parties. The closing date for submission is July 30.
Judge Seriti once again called upon all interested parties to make submissions, adding that thereafter the commission would consider the submissions, dates and venues of the public hearings would be determined ad communicated at a later stage.
In December 1999, the South African government sanctioned the acquisition of corvettes, submarines, light utility helicopters, lead in fighter trainers and advanced light fighter aircraft as part of the Arms deal authorised by the Department of Defence through its purchasing arm Armaments Corporation.
This was to acquire the armoury by entering into contractual agreements with preferred bidders. The total cost of the acquisition was initially estimated at R29.9 billion.
There have been numerous allegations of corruption, fraud and irregularities in the awarding and conclusion of the contracts hence the appointment of the Commission.
The Commission is to investigate six areas, including whether any person or persons within and/or outside the government may have improperly influenced the awarding or conclusion of any of the contracts in the arms deal procurement process.
