National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete's presence at Pollsmoor Prison, in solidarity with the man who defrauded the institution she heads, has raised eyebrows among those who accuse the ANC of being soft on crime.

But her political adviser, Lulamile Mapholoba, said she had accompanied Tony Yengeni in her party and personal capacities.

"She was there as a member of the ANC's national executive committee deployed in the Western Cape and also as a family friend."

Criticising the royal send-off Yengeni received, Federal Alliance leader Louis Luyt said: "The hero's treatment by senior ANC members for Tony Yengeni has once again brought shame to South Africa."

This echoed a statement in the House yesterday by DA chief whip Douglas Gibson, who accused the ANC of supporting criminals.

Gibson also criticised ANC MP and Western Cape provincial chairman James Ngculu, who reportedly said he did not think Yengeni had committed a serious crime since he had not stolen anything.

"By so doing, Ngculu has attempted to justify and minimise Yengeni's crime."

When he was heckled, Gibson shouted: "Why do you support criminals rather than the victims of crime?"

Defending her comrades, Education Minister Naledi Pandor told MPs that the DA and its leadership had not fought against apartheid.

"They have no individual ... who can be labelled a hero of the people. This is why the Western Cape leadership did not desert Tony Yengeni in his hour of need."

With acknowledgement to Angela Quintal and Cape Argus.