THE Democratic Alliance is alarmed by a revelation that KwaZulu-Natal taxpayers may be forced to pay the legal costs of several high-ranking politicians in the province, soon to appear in court as part of the R144 million "amigo's" trial, on charges including racketeering, fraud and corruption.

Government should not be used as an illegal funding agency.  There can be no legitimate reason why the public purse should be raided when the individuals concerned are, or have been, amongst the top earners in the province and should be in a position to bear their own legal costs.

The DA also notes with concern the high-flying legal representation sought and their close ties to the Jacob Zuma and Shabir Shaik trials. It is simply untenable that already hard-pressed members of the public should have to cough up and pay legal bills which are expected to run into millions.

The DA calls on KZN Premier, Zweli Mkhize and KZN Finance MEC, Ina Cronje to scrap any plan aimed at provincial government providing this funding - with the accused only repaying the monies if found guilty.

Furthermore, the DA reiterates its appeal to the Premier to immediately suspend the two senior members of the provincial government linked to the trial - MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu and KZN Speaker Peggy Nkonyeni - whose ongoing presence makes a mockery of the Legislature.

Statement issued by Sizwe Mchunu, MPP, leader of the DA in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, January 20 2012

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