Another two MPs pleaded guilty and were convicted of defrauding Parliament in a summary trial in the Cape Town Regional Court on Monday.
The two African National Congress MPs — Nozabelo Ruth Ntshulana-Bengu and Increase Zandisile Ncinane — signed a plea bargain with the National Prosecuting Authority, similar to one signed by other MPs last month.
In this plea bargain agreement, six MPs pleaded guilty to fraud and were sentenced to fines ranging from R40 000 or one year’s imprisonment to R80 000 or three years in jail.
The MPs all pleaded guilty to exchanging air-travel vouchers for other benefits.
On Monday, Ntshulana-Bengu pleaded guilty to defrauding Parliament of R43 000.
She was sentenced to a fine of R45 000 or two years’ imprisonment, with an additional three years suspended for five years on condition she is not found guilty of fraud or theft during that period.
Magistrate Johnny Vermeulen said it was his ”unpleasant duty” to sentence Ntshulana-Bengu, who was ordered to pay her fine in four instalments — R15 000 on Monday, and three payments of R10 000 each on June 3, July 4 and August 3.
Ncinane pleaded guilty to fraud involving R80 000 and was sentenced to pay a fine of R80 000 or three years’ imprisonment, in addition to a further five years suspended in toto for five years.
Ncinane also had his payments deferred on a staggered basis and was ordered to pay R15 000 by the end of the day, five payments of R10 000 each and another R15 000 payment running to October this year.
In mitigation, advocate Seth Nthai, representing both MPs in court, said in the case of Ncinane that he has played a prominent role in society, particularly among the sporting fraternity.
”To err is human. He has made a mistake, I’m sure the society will also forgive him,” said Nthai.
Nthai also reminded the court of Bengu’s contributions to society and the fact that she was the first MP to help ”break the wall of silence” around HIV/Aids, when she declared in Parliament her daughter’s positive status.
”This is clearly a one-off mistake,” said Nthai of the fraud.
Speaking to the South African Press Association after proceedings were concluded, state advocate Jannie van Vuuren said the state is still negotiating with the remainder of the MPs implicated in the so-called Travelgate scam.
Twenty-four MPs were originally summonsed, of which eight signed the plea-bargain agreements.
Van Vuuren described ongoing negotiations as ”difficult”.
Selwyn Hockey, the instructing attorney appearing for the ANC MPs, said they remain committed to finalising the matter as soon as possible. — Sapa