Scorpions in arms deal raids

2008-11-26 20:49

Johannesburg - Seven locations were raided by the National Prosecuting Authority's directorate of special operations (Scorpions) in connection with the arms deal on Wednesday.

NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said the raids in Gauteng and the Western Cape were part of ongoing investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption relating to the fighter jet contracts of the arms deal.

He would not reveal the names of the people targeted in the raids nor the locations where the raids took place.

Asked what charges would be brought he replied that it was too early to determine.

Further investigations had to be done to corroborate these allegations, Tlali said.

The Star newspaper reported on Wednesday that the offices of Fana Hlongwane in Illovo were among those raided as part of the operation.

Businessman Hlongwane was an adviser to former defence minister Joe Modise.

- SAPA