This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6262485.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Jailed ANC official to be freed ANC official released from prison
(about 1 hour later)
Former ANC parliamentary whip Tony Yengeni is to be freed from prison in South Africa after serving just five months of a fraud conviction. Former ANC parliamentary whip Tony Yengeni has been freed from prison in South Africa after serving just five months of a four-year fraud conviction.
He was originally sentenced to four years in prison for his part in a controversial arms deal but this was later reduced to 20 months. Dozens of local ANC officials welcomed him as he left the jail near Cape Town. As part of his parole, he will remain under virtual house arrest.
As part of his parole, he will remain under virtual house arrest. His sentence was cut on appeal and further reduced by a general amnesty.
He resigned after it emerged he received a big discount on a luxury car as part of a controversial arms deal.
A BBC correspondent says an animal is to be sacrificed as part of a cleansing ceremony at his parents' house.A BBC correspondent says an animal is to be sacrificed as part of a cleansing ceremony at his parents' house.
The BBC's Mohammed Allie in Cape Town says ANC officials are expected to welcome Yengeni as he is freed.
Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and parliamentary speaker Baleka Kgotsile were among a large crowd of party officials who accompanied him to Pollsmoor Prison last August.Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and parliamentary speaker Baleka Kgotsile were among a large crowd of party officials who accompanied him to Pollsmoor Prison last August.
Our correspondent says Yengeni will need permission from the minister of correctional services if he wants to leave his house and will have to perform 16 hours of community service a week.Our correspondent says Yengeni will need permission from the minister of correctional services if he wants to leave his house and will have to perform 16 hours of community service a week.
The flamboyant Yengeni is also banned from consuming alcohol and hosting parties but he may be allowed to carry out ANC duties. The flamboyant Yengeni is banned from holding public office for five years, but serves on the ANC's ruling body.
He was convicted in 2003 after it was found he had received a large discount on the purchase of a luxury car, from a firm bidding for an arms contract. He is also banned from consuming alcohol and hosting parties but he may be allowed to carry out his ANC duties.
He was convicted in 2003 after it was found he had received a large discount on the purchase of a Mercedes four-wheel drive vehicle, from a firm bidding for an arms contract.
He then initially lied to parliament about receiving this benefit.He then initially lied to parliament about receiving this benefit.
Yengeni was convicted over the same arms deal, for which former Deputy President Jacob Zuma was last year put on trial for corruption.Yengeni was convicted over the same arms deal, for which former Deputy President Jacob Zuma was last year put on trial for corruption.
The trial was stopped but the prosecution said new charges could be laid at a later date.The trial was stopped but the prosecution said new charges could be laid at a later date.