Defiant Yengeni says he shouldn't have been jailed

An unrepentant Tony Yengeni walked out of prison and went straight to a party to celebrate his release.

And, despite his fraud conviction, it seems he can look forward to a promising future in the ANC.

The ex-ANC chief whip told supporters as he left Malmesbury Prison yesterday: "I am now walking out of this prison - the place I was not supposed to be in the first place, but we'll leave that to a later stage."

Yengeni said allegations that he had been given preferential treatment in prison were "complete fabrications" and "misrepresentations by the media". He vowed he would "one day" respond comprehensively to the allegations, after consulting the ANC and his family.

Yengeni was released after serving five months of his four-year fraud sentence for flouting parliament's rules by failing to declare a 47% discount on a luxury 4x4 from a contender in the controversial arms deal. At the time, he was serving as chairperson of parliament's defence portfolio committee.

Instead of reporting to Correctional Services offices in Cape Town as anticipated, Yengeni headed for Gugulethu, where he was welcomed by his father, Leslie, just after 11am. Yengeni and his wife Lumka then joined dignitaries, including top Western Cape ANC politicians such as James Ngculu (chairperson) and Mcebisi Skwatsha (secretary), and his family for a welcoming ceremony.

Yengeni was given umqombothi (African traditional beer) and then briefed the media, telling them that reports about his receiving preferential treatment during his incarceration were incorrect.

Despite the traditional beer, the news conference and the welcoming party, Correctional Services said his release was "above board" and he had not violated any terms of his correctional supervision.

Luphumzo Kebeni, media liaison officer for Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour, said there was no evidence that the umqombothi was alcoholic.

"There are two kinds of umqombothi. The umqombothi that is drunk during traditional occasions is not alcoholic … and I believe that was the umqombothi that Mr Yengeni drunk," Kebeni said.

Kebeni said Yengeni had, prior to his release yesterday, asked to be allowed to visit his father's home and had therefore not breached the conditions of his release by not going straight home.

Yengeni had made his request in the presence of his probation officer at the weekend, Kebeni said. "It is completely unnecessary for us to investigate Mr Yengeni's release. It was strictly above board."

But the accusations of preferential treatment continue to follow Yengeni. It seems his supporters and family were allowed to enter the prison yesterday without being subjected to a security check.

But a police vehicle that stopped at the gates moments later was subjected to a security check. A warder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that prison officials had been instructed not to search Yengeni's friends.

"Everything you've heard about preferential treatment is true. They're trying to cover it up. Everyone is too afraid to speak to the media," the warder said.

During his speech, Yengeni thanked the people of Malmesbury for "embracing" him, visiting him in prison and sending him their best wishes. "It is only appropriate to commit myself to come back to Malmesbury, not only to the prison but to come back and become part of the community," he said.

In closing, he told the crowd, many of whom were dancing with ANC flags: "The problem in this country is not with me or (Jacob) Zuma or Fikile Mbalula or (Thabo) Mbeki. The problem we are facing is poverty. Ninety-nine percent of the economy is in the hands of 5% of the population."

The ANC was unapologetic about welcoming Yengeni back into society and the party ranks, saying his political future was bright.

Skwatsha said that although plans for Yengeni's future within the party had not been decided, he "could serve the party and fulfil some responsibilities" in the Western Cape during the period of his correctional supervision, which ends in January next year.

Ngculu, who said he did not believe Yengeni's crime was one of fraud, said the ex-chief whip had stuck with the ANC during the most trying times in its history and that the party was now returning the favour.

With acknowledgement to Karen Breytenbach, Sapa and The Star.