Four South Africans and a British national charged with illegally exporting military equipment to South Africa

Despite claims that South Africa was completely self sufficient in terms of its arms manufacturing capability, the Apartheid regime relied heavily on imported components for its war effort. This came to light on the 2 April 1984 when four South Africans and three British nationals, were charged with illegally exporting high-pressure gas cylinders and magnetrons to South Africa.  Magnetrons are vital components of modern radar systems, while the gas cylinders have utility in a potential nuclear industry. South Africa recalled its ambassador to the United Kingdom to consult on the case. The four South Africans were all employees of Armscor. These four men were Hendrix Botha, Stephanus de Jager, Jacobus Le Grange and William Meterlerkamp. The three Englishmen were Michael Swann, Derek Salt and Michael Henry Gardiner. Regarding their fates, the British cohorts were released on bail and were due to appear in court on 14 May 1984, while the South Africans were granted bail of twenty five thousand pounds each. Not much more is known regarding  the outcome of the cases, though in all likelihood the British nationals were heavily fined and the South Africans were deported to South Africa,