Cardiologist Wouter Basson's work for South Africa's chemical and biological warfare programme violated the ethics of medicine, a United States expert contended in Pretoria.
Professor Steven Miles of the University of Minnesota's medical school was commenting in a report submitted to a Health Professions Council of SA inquiry into unethical conduct by Basson in the 1980s.
Miles said Basson used his medical skills and knowledge to help the SA Defence Force develop chemicals and biological weapons and substances which could kill, cause disabilities and brain damage.
His work violated the ethics of the medical profession and was repugnant to the conscience of mankind, he said.
According to Miles, Basson's unethical behaviour included "weaponising" mortar bombs with teargas, and supplying operatives with cyanide capsules for suicide purposes.
He was also involved in the large-scale manufacturing of drugs, such as ecstasy and Mandrax, and supplying a substance usually used to paralyse patients during cross-border operations.
Miles said the ethics code of medicine was intended to promote health, while Basson's activities had done the opposite.
The hearing continues.
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