On Thursday, former African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Smith was sentenced to seven years by the High Court in Johannesburg.
This is after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the state. Smith pleaded guilty to several charges, including corruption and fraud.
However, he is not the only former MP that was sentenced in a court of law.
Tony Yengeni
Former ANC Chief Whip, Tony Yengeni was sentenced to four years in prison in 2003 for defrauding Parliament. He pleaded guilty to fraud in terms of a plea agreement. The charges related to a 47% discount he received on a luxury 4X4 Mercedes Benz in 1998.
Yengeni only stayed in prison for four months.
Mduduzi Manana
In 2017 the Randburg Magistrate’s Court sentenced former deputy minister of higher education and ANC MP Mduduzi Manana to 12 months’ imprisonment or to pay a fine of R100 000. Manana was convicted of three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after pleading guilty to the charges.
The charges related to the assault of three women at Cubana in Fourways on 6 August 2017.
He was also ordered to pay each of the victims the damage claims submitted by the State.
Rubben Mohlaloga
Former ANC MP and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs (2007–2009), Rubben Mohlaloga, was ordered to report to the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 23 October 2025, to commence serving his 20-year sentence handed down on 14 February 2019.
He was found guilty on one count of fraud and one count of money laundering.
Mohlaloga is serving the 20 year sentence.
Jacob Zuma
The former President was convicted for contempt of court after refusing to appear in the State of Capture commission chaired by the former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Zuma was found guilty and sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2021. Zuma went to prison on 7 July 2021, and was released on medical parole on 5 September 2021. The parole was rescinded on 15 December 2021.
Zuma received remission of sentenced after President Cyril Ramaphosa granted amnesty in 2023 to prisoners of lesser crimes in addressing overcrowding in prison.
Travel Gate scandal:
The 2004–2005 South African Travelgate scandal resulted in 31 MPs and several travel agents pleading guilty to defrauding Parliament.
Former ANC MPs
Ruth Ntshulana-Bhengu and Zandisile Ncinane pleaded guilty and were fined R45 000 to R80 000 and suspended sentences.
Douglas Seleke Maimane pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison or a fine.
Daniel April Andrew Olifant pleaded guilty of fraud and was sentenced to three years in prison or pay R30 000 fine.
In March 2005: Rhoda Joemat, Pamela Mnandi, Mavis Magazi, Tseko Taabe and Mildred Mpaka — were sentenced as part of a plea agreement with the Scorpions to fines ranging from R40 000 or one year’s direct imprisonment to R80 000 or three years’ imprisonment.
The MPs individually entered the dock to confirm to magistrate Johnny Vermeulen that the agreement had been reached voluntarily and that they had not been forced or unduly influenced to sign.
Former Democratic Alliance MPs
Craig Morkel pleaded guilty of fraud and was sentenced to three years in prison suspended for five years and R25 000 fine.
In July 2006 former Charles Redcliffe was slapped with a R70 000 fine or five years jail sentence suspended for five years.
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