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LITIGATION

Zuma, Thales corruption trial looms after latest challenge dismissed

On Friday morning, 22 January, the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed, with costs, the bid by French arms company Thales to challenge racketeering charges. Known at that time as Thomson-CSF, Thales was a supplier in South Africa’s controversial multi-billion-rand arms deal in 1999. The charges of corruption, racketeering and money laundering are linked to the hugely Read more >

LITIGATION

CW and R2K celebrate arms deal victory in court today

Today’s judgment handed down in the North Gauteng High Court vindicates the dogged efforts by civil society partners Corruption Watch and Right2Know Campaign (R2K) to have the findings of the Arms Procurement Commission (the Seriti Commission) reviewed and set aside. It also affirms the efforts of more than 40 civil society organisations and whistle-blowers that Read more >

LITIGATION

Seriti commission’s findings set aside

The North Gauteng High Court has ruled to set aside the findings of the Seriti Commission of Inquiry investigating alleged corruption in the acquisition of arms by the South African government in 1999. The judgment follows an application by non-profit organisations Corruption Watch (CW) and Right2Know (R2K) to have the 2016 findings of the commission Read more >

LITIGATION

Court to hand down Seriti judgment tomorrow

The North Gauteng High Court will tomorrow, 21 August, hand down judgment on the application brought forward by Corruption Watch and the Right2Know Campaign to review and set aside the findings of the arms deal commission. The commission was set up in 2011 by former president Jacob Zuma, who appointed Judge Willie Seriti, to head Read more >

LITIGATION

Guns, politics, lies: the arms deal’s whitewash commission

By Tara Davis and Deborah Mutemwa-TumboFirst published in the Sunday Times What is the point of commissions of inquiry? Are they powerful tools for investigating issues of public concern that can ultimately bring about justice, or are they expensive political options used by those in power to pacify the public and justify impunity? Corruption Watch Read more >

LITIGATION

Arms deal commission FAQ, and CW and R2K’s challenge

What is a commission of inquiry? A commission of inquiry is one of many bodies available to the government to inquire into various issues. Commissions report findings, give advice and make recommendations. While their findings are not legally binding, they can be highly influential. Commissions must act strictly within their terms of reference and ensure Read more >

LITIGATION

Arms deal and Seriti Commission FAQ

What was the arms deal? In December 1999, the South African government signed contracts with a number of European defence companies to buy a range of sophisticated military equipment. South Africa purchased: Gripen jet fighters and Hawk jet fighter trainers from the UK/Swedish partnership, British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) and Saab. corvette warships from the Read more >