Elusive arms man to give evidence

THE commission of inquiry into allegations of fraud and corruption in the arms deal has revealed it has been in contact with elusive arms consultant Fana Hlongwane and that he is on the commission’s list of witnesses for the second phase of hearings.

“We have noticed there is a perception that the commission cannot find … one of the people against whom allegations of wrongdoing in the arms acquisition process have been levelled,” spokesman William Baloyi said.

“…the commission has been in contact with him through his attorneys, and it is not true that he cannot be traced.”

He said Hlongwane was part of the list of witnesses.

The Mail & Guardian reported yesterday that Hlongwane, who was allegedly paid R65 million in arms deal bribes, apparently could not be found, and had been removed from the list of witnesses.

It reported that Hlongwane was evidently tipped off that his office and home would be raided by the Scorpions in 2008.

Because of the tip-off, four boxes of evidence were allegedly removed from his office just before the raid.

The commission’s public hearings are scheduled to start on August 5.

On Monday Baloyi announced that former president Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel were set to testify in the second half of January.

Baloyi said the first phase of the commission would “deal with the rationale for the strategic defence procurement package”, and whether the arms and equipment acquired were under- utilised or not utilised at all. – Sapa

PICTURES: CANDICE CHAPLIN ‘WON’T GO’: Khoi herbalist and Dallas resident Xoma Aobi with his horses Moonlight and Prince which are kept at his Kindy Farm where he also grows his herbs.