Probe SA armoured vehicles in Libya: DA

04 November 2013 - 16:49 By Sapa
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Ratel 20 troop carrier. File photo.
Ratel 20 troop carrier. File photo.

The alleged presence of South African manufactured Ratel armoured combat vehicles in Libya should be investigated, the DA said on Monday.

Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier said pictures obtained from the internet showed the presence of the Ratels in Libya during the conflict.

"The investigation should include: an inquiry into the possible illegal export of South African made Ratel armoured combat vehicles to Libya; and a comprehensive audit of all Ratel armoured combat vehicles exported from South Africa," he said.

The National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which is responsible for the approval of arms exports, did not have any record of sales being made to Libya over the past 10 years.

"The United Nations conventional arms register reflects that 423 Ratel armoured combat vehicles were exported from South Africa between 2003 and 2012," Maynier said.

The armoured vehicles were exported to Ghana, Jordan, Zambia, Senegal and Rwanda.

In terms of the NCACC Act, these countries would have to obtain the approval of the NCACC if they were to re-sell, re-export or transfer arms.

"It is possible that the NCACC authorised one of the end-user countries, listed in the table above, to transfer the Ratel armoured combat vehicles to Libya," Maynier said.

"However, it is more likely that an unreliable end-user country transferred the Ratel armoured combat vehicles to Libya."

Maynier said he would write to NCACC chairman Jeff Radebe to request the probe.

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