EFF out to challenge suspension of MPs

THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have threatened court action should the National Assembly approve a recommendation by the powers and privileges committee that 12 of its MPs be suspended without pay.

“We are not shocked, they reached the conclusion that they have because, as we said, there was a clear mandate from Luthuli House – ANC headquarters – that the EFF must be dealt with in the harshest possible terms,” EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said yesterday.

“We will meet them in the National Assembly when they make those recommendations and object to it, failing which we’ll approach a court.”

The committee will adopt its final report on Monday, following which it will be submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

The committee recommended yesterday that Ndlozi and EFF leader Julius Malema, chief whip Floyd Shivambu, Mpho Ramakatsa, Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala, and Godrich Gardee be suspended for 30 days without pay.

Malema was found guilty on four counts of contempt of Parliament, and Shivambu and Ramakatsa on seven counts each.

The second group of EFF MPs – Elsabe Louw, Ngwanamakwetle Mashabela, Nthako Matiase, Hlengiwe Maxon, Magdalene Moonsamy, and Andile Mngxitama – were each found guilty on two counts and also face suspension without pay, but for a shorter period. – Sapa