Bob Broom suggests that the enquiry into Tony Yengeni's parole conditions are senseless and tantamount to little more than a witch-hunt (Letters, April 23).

If we were to seriously consider Mr Broom's suggestions, then we should forget that Tony Yengeni is a convicted liar and a fraudster, who demonstrated a belligerent mockery of justice upon his entrance into Pollsmoor Prison last year, and who enjoyed preferential treatment while in prison.

He clearly violated a number of rules regarding his parole while he was incarcerated and has recently been spotted drinking in public again at Cape Town's expensive restaurants, against required conduct.

If we were to adopt this apathetic, submissive approach to criminals, then we should all agree that Annanias Mathe used Vaseline to escape from C-Max and all Correctional Services officials are noble and competent.

Yengeni's brash and contemptuous demeanor, coupled with his flamboyant disregard for rule, cannot be tolerated.

In identifying this, Democratic Alliance MP James Selfe has illustrated a degree of integrity unknown to 90% of ANC MPs (substantiated by the latter's reluctance to release the conditions to which Yengeni is, by law, subjected).

Yengeni is now faced with an opportunity to cleanse nefarious aspects of his behaviour and renew a sense of public confidence.

For the duration of his parole he should accept lifestyle changes that exclude big motor cars and flashy suits, cognac, beer and lukewarm excuses from his wife.

While Mr Broom suggests we "leave Tony Yengeni alone to do his parole", I believe it should be the other way round - whatever he is, whatever substance and credibility he has left - it should be exercised in a discreet and respectful manner.

Only then can he expect to be left alone.

Simon Reader
Saxonwold, Joburg

With acknowledgements to Simon Reader and The Star.