South African Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

Press Release

The South African Government shares the international community's concern over the illicit transfer of nuclear and nuclear related dual-use technology and materials that could be used in weapons of mass destruction and encourages the sharing of information that would identify individuals or entities involved in such illicit activities with a view to prevent, combat and eradicate this illicit trade.

In this regard, and in terms of the South African Government's strict policy of disarmament and non-proliferation with regard to weapons of mass destruction and the capabilities to produce these weapons, an investigation has over several months been undertaken with regard to contravention of:

-The Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act, 1993 (Act No. 87 of 1993)
-The Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act No. 46 of 1999)

These investigations by the South African authorities have been undertaken in co-operation with other countries as well as with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

These investigations have also taken place in the context of the so-called Khan network through which certain countries were provided with nuclear technology through, among other, networks established in various countries, as well as the information obtained following Libya's announcement of the abandonment of its nuclear weapons programme.

The allegations being investigated relate to the import and export of a controlled flow- forming lathe as well as the production and possession of certain components of a centrifuge enrichment plant without the necessary permits. These items do not constitute a weapon of mass destruction, but they are essential components in the process to enrich uranium. It is alleged that these activities were intended to assist in the now abandoned nuclear weapons programme of the Libyan Government.

Acting upon information obtained during the course of the investigation into the activities of some companies and individuals, who may have been involved in the alleged contravention of the relevant South African legislation, a search warrant was obtained to search the premises of Tradefin Engineering, situated in Vanderbijlpark.

On 1 September 2004 this facility was searched by members of the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, the South African Police Services (SAPS) and inspectors as well as other South African technical advisors appointed in terms of the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

At the premises of Tradefin Engineering, 11 shipping containers were found containing components of a centrifuge uranium enrichment plant as well as related documentation. In terms of a warrant of arrest, Mr JAM Meyer, a Director at Tradefin Engineering was arrested on 2 September 2004. Mr Meyer was charged with contravening the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act by importing and exporting a flow-forming lathe without the necessary permits.

He was also charged with contravening the Nuclear Energy Act by possessing and producing certain components of a centrifuge enrichment plant without the necessary authorisation of the Minister of Minerals and Energy.

The 11 containers were sealed by the South African Police Services and transported to a secure site at Pelindaba. At our request, the IAEA has also sealed the containers. The IAEA, together with the SAPS will maintain control over the equipment. IAEA inspectors visit South Africa on a regular basis to inspect nuclear material and related equipment

The investigation is still ongoing.

Issued by:

Mr. Abdul S. Minty
Chairperson
The South African Council
For the Non-Proliferation of
Weapons of Mass Destruction

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa: 082-990-4853 or
Manusha Pillai at 082-389-3587
Department of Foreign Affairs,
P/Bag X152,
Pretoria,
0001,
7 September 2003