FRIDAY, 8.30AM
INVESTIGATORS into the case of army chemical warfare director Brigadier Wouter Basson have reopened investigations into the mysterious 1987 crash of the SAA Boeing 747 jet Helderberg, in which all 159 people aboard perished.
An inquiry into the crash ruled out a bomb or explosive device as the cause, but strange aspects of the crash — including aparrent attempts at a cover-up — have continued to intrigue the public. There has been frequent speculation that smuggled arms or chemicals, or even the fabled nuclear substance “red mercury” may have caused an explosion.
Transvaal Attorney General Jan D’Oliveira confirmed to Business Day last night that investigations into the crash had been re-opened, but stressed that “new information” his team had received still needed to be evaluated.
Basson, whose controversial case has been held in-camera on the grounds that it involves secrets of state, has been linked to a number of “third force” activities. He has been charged with drug smuggling.