Seriti Commission a cover up: Arms Deal critics

Three key witnesses at the hearing into the mutli-billion rand Arms Deal on Thursday called for the probe to be dissolved. 

Andrew Feinstein, Paul Holden and Hennie van Vuuren were scheduled to testify at the Seriti Commission but have withdrawn from proceedings. The trio have called for an independent criminal probe. 

Van Vuuren says: "We believe that all allegations of corruption must be investigated and prosecuted without fear and favour. After careful consideration, with great disappointment we have decided to withdraw all participation in the Seriti Commission of Inquiry."

The trio wants an independent criminal probe. They've accused the Seriti Commission of a cover up.

Holden says “We were not direct participants in the Arms Deal. If we are not allowed to talk to documents that we have not written, nor speak to corruption allegations based on documentary evidence, there is no point in our appearing as witnesses."

Feinstein says: "We believe in the rule of law and the primacy of the constitution, but cannot co-operate with an institution that is so deeply compromised that its primary outcome will be to cover-up the facts.”                

However, the Seriti Commission says the three witnesses have nothing substantial to add to the hearings.

The hearing resumes next Tuesday with testimony from former public accounts committee - SCOPA chair, Gavin Woods.