MPs resign in disgrace

Five members of Parliament for South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) have resigned after pleading guilty to fiddling travel expenses in one of the country's highest profile graft cases.

The resignations come just a week after President Thabo Mbeki fired his deputy, Jacob Zuma.The party said last month it would intensify a drive against graft and would act against members of Parliament found guilty in the so-called "travelgate" saga.

The MPs were fined and handed suspended sentences after pleading guilty to fraud charges in March this year. Three other former ANC MPs also admitted their guilt.

A further 21 parliamentarians face charges of abusing their travel vouchers, allowing them to book into luxury hotels, hire flashy cars or dine at lavish restaurants at taxpayers' expense.

- REUTERS