DA wants Winnie to quit

2003-04-24 15:31

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance has called for ANC MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's resignation or dismissal following her conviction on charges of fraud and theft on Thursday morning.

But ANC Chief Whip in Parliament, Nathi Nhleko, says any "necessary steps" will only be taken when the legal process is concluded.

Madikizela-Mandela was found guilty on 43 charges of fraud and 25 of theft in the Pretoria Regional Court, while her co-accused, broker Addy Moolman, was convicted on 58 charges of fraud and 25 of theft.

The trial was postponed to Friday for argument in mitigation and aggravation of sentence. Bail, previously set at R5 000 for both accused, was extended.

DA Chief Whip Douglas Gibson said in a statement afterwards that an MP convicted on 43 charges of fraud should not stay on in Parliament.

"Unless Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela resigns immediately, the ANC should terminate her membership of parliament without any further delay.

"The ANC kept her in Parliament long past the time when they should have fired her," Gibson said.

In his response, Nhleko said the ANC respected the decision of the court.

"We will be studying the findings of the judgment accordingly, while awaiting sentencing.

"Any necessary steps will be taken when this legal process has been concluded," he said.

- SAPA