OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Monday 7.00PM.
THE mastermind behind the apartheid government’s chemical and biological weapons programme, Dr Wouter Basson, must testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Cape High court ruled on Monday.
South Africa was shocked by revelations in the commission in June of the activities of the programme, which included developing poisons for use against anti-apartheid activists, attempting to develop a deadly bacteria that would attack only black people and the manufacturing of massive quantities of illegal drugs.
Basson has evaded having to testify before the commission, arguing that an appearance will prejudice his pending criminal trial on charges ranging from drug possession to conspiracy to murder. His defiance of a subpoena from the commission meant the case was referred to court.
Judge John Hlophe ruled on Monday that Basson must appear before the panel on Wednesday. If Basson does not comply, he will face contempt charges.