The NPA does not pursue charges against Wouter Basson, former chemical weapons expert of the SADF

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that it would not start a fresh prosecution of Dr Wouter Basson, former chemical weapons expert of the South African Defence Force (SADF), on the charges originally quashed by the Pretoria High Court. Makhosini Nkosi, NPA spokesperson, said that their decision was based on the final ruling made by the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court upheld the ruling of the Pretoria High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal to deny the state leave to appeal against the ruling. Basson had been prosecuted and acquitted in the Pretoria High Court on several charges, including conspiracy to assassinate members of liberation movements, misappropriation of State funds and dealing in drugs. He had refused to apply for amnesty to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, maintaining that he did not need amnesty, since he was innocent.