The IFP today questioned if due process had been followed in the suspension of Mr Harry Charlton, parliament's chief financial officer. Sybil Seaton, IFP Deputy-Chief Whip, said the Party was "appalled" at the manner in which Mr Charlton was suspended.

Seaton said that the IFP was concerned that the decision was taken without the opposition parties being taken into confidence and being appraised of the nature of the charges being laid against Mr Charlton and was disappointed that members of parliament had to learn the news from the media. She added that it was completely unacceptable that Mr Charlton should be suspended without being informed of what charges were being laid against him.

Recalling Mr Charlton's diligent work in uncovering serious financial irregularities, Seaton expressed the fear that Mr Charlton's suspension may be linked to an attempt to silence him, particularly over his role into uncovering the R17 million "Travelgate" Parliamentary fraud scam.

Seaton said:

"We seek immediate clarification about the nature of the charges and a categorical assurance that his suspension is not linked to his uncovering of serious financial irregularities."