Travel accused urged to take deal

2010-07-12 16:12

Cape Town - Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe has urged the remaining accused in the parliamentary travel fraud saga to seriously consider plea agreements.

The three travel agents - Soraya Beukes, Mpho Lebeleo and Graham Geduldt - appeared briefly before him on Monday.

Prosecutor Razia Valli-Omar told him the State was ready to go ahead with a trial on October 11 if nothing materialised from plea negotiations.

When counsel for Beukes and Lebelo said they were consulting their clients on a plea agreement, Hlophe urged them to seriously consider the agreements "so we can get rid of this matter once and for all".

Geduldt's advocate, William Fisher, said his client was doing just that, and that he had told Geduldt there had to be some clarity on the matter before the next court appearance, on August 13.

Valli-Omar said the sentences being offered by the State were favourable to the three, because the State would not insist that minimum sentences be imposed.

The travel agents are accused of using vouchers meant only for air travel to pay for MPs' accommodation and car rentals.

Most of the benefit of the fraud went to MPs, some 30 of whom have already entered into plea agreements.

- SAPA