South Africa : Stolen special forces gear sold to conflict areas

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2013/07/20/stolen-special-forces-gear-sold-to-conflict-areas

Stolen special forces gear sold to conflict areas

Sapa | 20 July, 2013 10:07

Machine gun ammunition. File photo.
Image by: NIKOLA SOLIC / REUTERS

One of two men accused of dealing in stolen army ammunition allegedly bought weapons for South African special forces, then sold them to countries in conflict.

Saturday Star reported that a state affidavit placed before the Lenasia Magistrate's Court on Friday indicated Dave Sheer Guns (DSG) director Gareth de Nysschen had been investigated by military intelligence for two years.

The investigation revealed the alleged illegal import of "weapons of mass destruction like the Gatling gun and 40mm rockets".

These and other conventional weapons were apparently imported for use by special forces but were never delivered.

"It was subsequently shipped to Syria, Sudan Republic of Chimbote and Kenia (sic)," stated the affidavit.

The weapons were bought under the auspices of a tender awarded to New Generation Arms Management (NGAM), the newspaper reported.

NGAM director Johan Erasmus told Saturday Star the allegations were false.

De Nysschen, following his arrest last week at OR Tambo International Airport, appeared in the Lenasia Magistrate's Court on Friday for bail application.

He was arrested along with DSG general manager Efthimios Demis Karamitsos.

The state opposed bail, with magistrate Syfred Mati postponing judgement until Tuesday.