Arms deal bribery said to be part of business

By Lelethu Mquqo
17 June 2011

A military analyst says that in many parts of the world the only way to do business is through the paying of bribes.

This follows reports that Swedish defence group Saab has admitted to its involvement in payment of R24 million in bonuses and salaries to ensure the sale of 26 JAS Gripen fighter jets to South Africa.

Helmoed Heitman, a military analyst, says deals like this always involve some kind of bribe.

Meanwhile, Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille, who first blew the whistle on the deal in 1999, says Saab’s admission comes as no surprise.

She maintains that the South African offenders still need to be brought to book.