The African National Congress (ANC) National Working Committee (NWC) is to soon make public its decision on what action will be taken against Members of Parliament who have already been found guilty of defrauding parliament.
Eight MPs have plea-bargained in the so-called “Travelgate” scam — involving the misuse of travel vouchers provided to Members of Parliament. They have been given hefty fines although all of them — all from the ruling ANC — received suspended prison sentences.
ANC chief whip Mbulelo Goniwe told a press conference on Wednesday that an announcement could be expected soon.
Asked if this was a change in position, he said he was not sure. But the fact that people had been convicted of crimes “that were serious” made it a special case which needed “an immediate response”.
It was not a matter over which one could “fold arms”, he emphasised.
“The organisation [NWC] would be making an announcement soon on the matter.”
A further 21 MPs — 18 from the ANC and three from the Democratic Alliance — are facing charges of fraud but their cases are expected to be heard in the High Court. – I-Net Bridge