World : 3rd S. African Official Resigns

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A Cabinet minister today became the third member of the governing National Party to quit Parliament this week after being linked to fraud or financial misconduct.

Manpower Minister P. T. C. du Plessis, a Cabinet member since 1980, said he resigned because of controversy surrounding his personal life and in the interest of the government and the National Party. Newspapers across the political spectrum, including those supporting the National Party, said the action is believed to be related to an investigation of property transactions involving du Plessis’ department that may have benefited his son.