Opposition calls for new probe into arms deal

Opposition parties have called for new investigations of the multi-billion rand arms deal. This follows the ANC's appointment of an ad hoc committee to prepare, what it calls, a detailed, factual report on the arms deal.

Democratic Alliance spokesperson Eddie Trent says instead of a detailed factual report, the arms deal probe needed to be re-opened, taking into account all the new facts and evidence that had emerged in the last two years.

Trent said he would raise the issue as a matter of urgency once parliamentary proceedings resumed next week.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille says all the allegations of corruption in the deal should be tested by an independent judiciary. De Lille first questioned the integrity of the arms deal in the 1990s.

The ANC has, meanwhile, refuted suggestions that it's calling for the re-opening of the arms deal probe. This relates to a request by the ANC National Executive Committee for access to a report on the arms deal.

ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe says they have established a seven-member committee that will look at all the charges against party President Jacob Zuma. He says this move will enable them to provide leadership with regard to the case against Zuma.