Pretoria | Wednesday
CHEMICAL warfare expert Wouter Basson told the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday about a series of deadly gadgets — such as an umbrella which fired small ball missiles containing poison – that were tested on laboratory animals.
However, he did not know if they were ever used on humans.
Basson admitted that he had instructed mechanical engineer Jan Lourens to manufacture a series of gadgets at the request of former SA Defence Force chief General Kat Liebenberg.
He could remember an umbrella, pen and screwdrivers which fired small ball missiles containing poison.
He also recalled a signet ring with a secret compartment, but said he would not have asked for the development of briefcase and letter bomb mechanisms ”because it had nothing to do with chemical warfare”.
The gadgets were tested on laboratory animals at Roodeplaat Research Laboratories.
Tests included how long the applicator should be held against the skin before it took effect.
Basson stressed that the items were developed for defensive purposes ”because you have to know what to be careful of”.
Asked if he had any moral problems with the use of such weapons, Basson said: ”I had no problems if those weapons were used on targets overseas that were enemies of the state, or for self-defence.
”If you shoot him or get at him with a screwdriver — I don’t understand the difference,” he said.
”I had no idea who would use it, but I had no problem with the application.”
Asked if he would have had a problem with supplying poison for use on enemies of the state, Basson said: ”It never happened. No one ever asked me for it, but I would not have had a problem with it.”
The trial continues. – Sapa