Travelgate: UDM disgusted

2008-05-14 15:49

Johannesburg - The United Democratic Movement (UDM) said on Wednesday it was disgusted by an attempt to let so-called Travelgate MPs "off the hook" and demanded an explanation.

"This decision again sends a wrong signal; that MPs - especially high-ranking ANC members - are above prosecution," UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said in a statement.

The Government Gazette last week contained a notice directing liquidators of Bathong Travel "not to pursue any action as against the various members of Parliament in relation to the un-invoiced tickets, levies and/or services".

Holomisa said: "The stealthy attempt to cancel their debt to Parliament makes a mockery of the concept of accountability. Now it seems that Parliament may even foot the bill for the legal costs that these fraudsters incurred; in other words the taxpayer will pay a second time."

He alleged the decision was a strategy to blackmail MPs in future when the ruling party might want to indemnify people involved in other "self-enrichment schemes" such as the arms deal.

"The UDM distances itself from this decision. The presiding officers owe us an explanation. Why now?" he asked.

The scandal, which became known as "Travelgate", involved some travel consultants issuing air tickets, copying the tickets and then cancelling them, against which MPs fraudulently claimed against their travel vouchers, in contravention of the rules of Parliament.

A number of MPs have already been convicted of theft and fraud.

- SAPA