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SA sniper rifles in Libya: report

Johannesburg - South African made sniper rifles have found their way into the hands of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces, according to Sunday's Rapport newspaper.

A video seen by the newspaper shows rebel fighters displaying the rifles after they were taken from pro-Gaddafi troops.

The rifles have "seven or eight highly unique characteristics" that prove they came from Truvelo Manufacturers in Midrand, according to Tom Wolmarans, a former police officer who used to work for the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.

According to the paper other weapons and forensic experts agreed with this opinion.

Truvelo's director Ralf Gebert refused to comment on the company's transactions with Libya.

"There are procedures in South Africa we are following. We adhere to the rules and regulations and that's that. We are not prepared to say yes or no," he was quoted as saying.

According to international news reports pro-Gaddafi forces have been using sniper rifles to shoot civilians during pro-democracy protests and at funerals.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe earlier this month refused to say whether the R68.9m worth of arms South Africa sold to Libya last year included sniper rifles.
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