DA demands museum-raid apology
2005-01-18 20:19
Pretoria - The Democratic Alliance called on Tuesday on Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula to apologise for a raid on the SA National Museum of Military History.
DA spokesperson Roy Jankielsohn said: "Both ministers should now admit they overreacted and apologise."
Three curators were arrested on Thursday and three armoured cars as well as an infantry fighting vehicle were confiscated.
The three were later released without being charged.
A statement by Lekota's department said on Monday an internal investigation "to determine negligence or other possible offences which may have been committed by people entrusted with the disposal of arms" was continuing.
Mofokeng also said discussions were being held between the department and the Northern Flagship Institution - the museum's owner on behalf of the department of arts and culture - to "determine the legality or otherwise of the presence of the equipment at the museum".
'A great deal of paranoia'
Jankielsohn said it was clear that what should have been an administrative and logistical matter "was dealt with in a manner that indicates a great deal of paranoia within the government regarding perceived threats".
He said the museum's director and curators should have been commended for the good maintenance of the equipment under their supervision.
If necessary, they should have been helped by the police regarding any possible breaches of firearm legislation.
Earlier, Lekota expressed gratitude to the military policing agency for uncovering war material at a Johannesburg military museum.
Speaking to media in Pretoria on transformation in the military, he initially refused to answer questions about the raid.
He later relented and said the matter was a "work in progress".
"I haven't had the opportunity to scrutinise what happened and therefore cannot express an opinion.
"I can say, however, I am grateful the services were able to uncover this equipment and have it neutralised," he said.
- SAPA