By Marvin Meintjies
Inkatha Freedom Party MP Mandla Msomi's dealings with the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) company and possible links to the state's multibillion-rand arms deal are under further scrutiny.
Msomi would not be drawn on Wednesday on apparent contradictions between his earlier denials of involvement with EADS and a letter indicating otherwise.
The Star is in possession of a letter from the suspended South African head of Netherlands-based EADS, Michael Woerfel, in which Woerfel denies EADS had agreed to pay for the ongoing maintenance of two vehicles it had already sold to Msomi at discount prices.
Woerfel is facing corruption and forgery charges relating to the sale of a heavily discounted vehicle to former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni. Yengeni is also facing charges of corruption, perjury and forgery in relation to his purchase of a 4x4 at a discount of 47 percent.
Msomi said on Wednesday he could not comment because the matter was subject to the multi-agency probe into South Africa's multibillion-rand arms procurement programme.
Said Msomi: "I have been told by my whip that the matter is with the investigating team. I can no longer discuss it as it is sub judice. My understanding is that you have evidence that seems to say I am lying. They have told me that the letter is now being investigated. I am willing to co-operate with them fully."
The Star revealed in July that Msomi was among 30 VIPs who received a Colt bakkie and a Mercedes-Benz through EADS, but he denied this vehemently on several occasions, saying he had bought the vehicles directly through Daimler Benz.
But The Star published a letter on Wednesday indicating Msomi would have known beyond doubt that he was dealing with DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, predecessor of EADS, and Woerfel.
In the letter, Woerfel reiterates that the company sold the car to Msomi "voetstoots" and at "an extremely good price" and says the company did not agree to pay for continuing maintenance of the cars.
IFP chief whip Koos van der Merwe said: "We've known about that letter for some time. He (Msomi) maintains he bought the vehicle from Daimler Benz. He says he knew him (Woerfel).
"It's not a very friendly letter as it appears they (Woerfel/ EADS) refused some request he had. I think he wanted something else. What I'm trying to ascertain is if it is alleged that Mr Msomi has taken a bribe.
"So far, we have received no tangible evidence that he has done anything improper. And if anybody has proof, please give it to us. Until such time, he's entitled to be regarded as an innocent person."
Msomi bought the Colt for R102 365 after EADS paid R125 892 for the bakkie. The E320 Mercedes was sold to Msomi for R195 650 after EADS had paid R250 800 for it.
Asked for comment, a publicist for the investigating agencies said he could not discuss details of the probe.