It is alleged that in 2008 at the height of Zimbabwes political problems, South Africa sold arms to Zimbabwe. The DA, one of the fiercest critics of the Mugabe regime, believes the weapons were used by the uniformed forces and supporters of the aged leader to kill and torture his opponents ahead of the sham June 2008 poll, which Mugabe contested alone.
The result of the poll was internationally rejected, forcing Mugabe to share power with the two MDC formations. The inclusive government has meanwhile lurched from crisis to crisis with Mugabe blamed for most of the problems afflicting the administration.
7.6.2011
11:00
DA concern at closure of arms deal
JOHANNESBURG - South Africas official opposition this week handed over a memorandum to Parliament opposing the closure of the inquest into the controversial multibillion-rand sale of arms to autocratic regimes like Zimbabwe.