Yengeni's Early Release A National Disgrace

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MS SYBIL SEATON MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

January 15, 2007

The release of convicted fraudster, Tony Yengeni, from prison today - having only completed a short 20 week stint of his four year prison term - is a national disgrace and a clear indication that ANC high-profile prisoners receive preferential treatment, said the Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson on Correctional Services, Ms Sybil Seaton MP.

"It is shocking that the ANC's former Chief Whip will be set free today after serving only 20 weeks of a four-year prison term," said Ms Sybil Seaton.

"This after Mr Yengeni had a weekend parole in October, where he allegedly drank and reported back late to Malmesbury prison, breaking his parole conditions. Then, despite these infringements he was still allowed to allegedly have a very special Christmas party at prison with family and friends. The Department of Correctional Service and the ANC have made a complete mockery of his prison term.

"On the 22nd of August, hours before Mr Yengeni was sent to prison, the Minister of Correctional Services, Mr Ngconde Balfour MP, said that there will not be any special treatment for Yengeni in prison. This proved to be a lie, as every rule in the book has been changed or bent it seems to accommodate Mr Yengeni.

"The IFP wonders how government supposes ordinary South Africans should have any faith in the criminal justice system and the Department of Correctional Services if convicted criminals are treated like VIPs and set free without even serving a tenth of their sentence. This has turned out to be one big farce.

"Presumably the next prisoner on weekend parole or to be set free early will be Mr Shabir Shaik. The IFP will be keeping a keen eye on his prison term to see which get-me-out-of-jail card the ANC throws his way this year," concluded Ms Seaton.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms Sybil Seaton MP: 083 412 0075
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470