New Arms Deal Probe

May 1 2011 

The Constitutional Court will on Thursday hear arguments for an independent probe into the country's multi-billion-rand arms deal, the Sunday Tribune reported. 

Arms deal activist Terry Crawford-Browne is asking for a court order instructing President Jacob Zuma to commission an inquiry into South Africa's purchase of warships, fighter jets and other weapons from European arms companies.  

The deals were concluded in 1999. 

Crawford-Browne argues in court papers: “The background factual matrix upon which I rely is replete with evidence and allegations which cry out for proper investigation with a view to bringing those guilty of possible criminal activity to justice...” 

                                                           Terry Crawford-Browne

Terry Crawford-Browne was born in Ireland and grew up in Libya. At 17 he went to the USA, joined the military and graduated from the University of Minnesota before leaving for South Africa in 1967. He returned to the United States with his family in 1970 to start a career in banking but four years later Nedbank recruited him and he came back to South Africa for good. He represented the Anglican Church at the Western Province Council of Churches and the parliamentary Defence Review. From 1985 until 1993 he advised Dr Allan Boesak and Archbishop Desmond Tutu on the banking sanctions campaign against apartheid. Currently he chairs the South African affiliate of Economists Allied for Arms Reduction

In their heads of argument Zuma's lawyers argue the Constitution gives the president discretionary power to decide whether to institute a judicial enquiry. They say that power was properly exercised by former president Kgalema Motlanthe when he decided against a probe.

                                               Former President Kgalema Motlanthe

According to research for a new book by former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein, the true price of the arms deal could be as high as R70 billion, compared to initial estimates of R40 billion.  

http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/concourt-to-hear-bid-for-new-arms-deal-probe-1.1063156 

                                                 Former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein