DA 'will act on travel scam'

2004-08-03 21:04

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance on Tuesday resolved to take "swift action" against its public representatives whom the national prosecuting authority confirmed were implicated in a travel scam.

This refers to probes by the Scorpions into the alleged misuse of travel vouchers provided to members of parliament.

Last week, the Scorpions confirmed that members of parliament were in line to be arrested after the arrest of seven travel executives from various agencies.

DA chief whip Douglas Gibson said in a statement that the federal executive resolved that it was "unconscionable for rumours to remain hanging in the air".

"The list of MPs who have been investigated needs to be handed to all parties in parliament.

"That list must be divided into parts showing those against whom no charges or investigations are pending and a section indicating those who are under investigation with a view to prosecution.

'Hired sports car for R17 600'

"The DA will immediately refer to its federal legal commission for investigation any persons who are listed as being in line for prosecution.

"The DA will suspend any MP who is charged criminally and will terminate the membership of parliament of any person who is convicted of corruption, theft or fraud."

It has already been reported that Craig Morkel, a DA MP and son of former Western Cape premier Gerald Morkel, hired a luxury Audi TT sports car - at the cost of R17 600 - for a week-long spin through Cape Town.

This emerged again during the insolvency hearing of the ITC travel agency, whose bosses and personnel were arrested last week by the Scorpions and charged with fraud and theft.

Gibson said on Tuesday: "Fedex (federal executive) agreed that this was the worst crisis involving corruption affecting parliament since 1994, and further that parliament itself and the many honest MPs had been tainted by the allegations of fraud by those who have been dishonest and corrupt.

"Reports that 135 MPs from all parties were involved were alarming and, if true, would constitute the biggest scandal to hit any democratic parliament anywhere in the world.

'There must be no cover-up'

"Clearly this cloud of suspicion cannot hang over parliament for one moment longer than necessary.

"The DA insists the investigation must be concluded speedily, that the accused MPs be arrested swiftly and their trials conducted without delay.

"There must be no cover-up; every person, regardless of his or her party and position or standing, who has been guilty of dishonesty must pay the price by receiving a criminal conviction and by losing his or her seat.

"Public confidence in parliament must be restored, and only determined action will achieve this."

- I-Net Bridge (News24)