The Inkatha Freedom Party has come out in defence of leading businessman and former MPMandla Msomi, who has been named among 29 people allegedly given undue discounts by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company. IFP chief whip Koos Van der Merwe said: “On behalf of Mr Msomi, I wish to refer to the decision by the joint committee on ethics and Members’ interests in Parliament on September 17, 2002.

“The committee investigated these allegations against Mr Msomi, and unanimously found he did not (under) the Parliamentary Code of Conduct derive a benefit.” Van der Merwe said the committee had found no prima facie case against Msomi. He said Msomi was consulting lawyers, as he felt his reputation and dignity had been harmed by claims he was involved in arms deal corruption.

“In view of these facts, and particularly as Mr Msomi is no longer a public figure, and having been found not guilty of any wrongdoing, I trust that he will be left in peace,” said Van der Merwe. Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille has filed complaints with the SAPS, and plans to privately prosecute the 29 people as she felt it “unfair” to former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni, that he had been convicted and had served time for his discount while the others walked free.

Yengeni’s wife Lumka is also named as having received an undue discount on her vehicle.

The National Prosecuting Authority, the Auditor-General, and Public Protector have decided not to probe claims by German officials who, through the ID and Freedom Front, released the list of those involved in “discounts”.

With acknowledgements to Xolani Mbanjwa and The Citizen.