Case of MK Party MPs challenging dismissal postponed to September

The case of 10 uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) MPs challenging their dismissal from the party has been postponed to the 3rd of September in the Western Cape High Court.

The MPs also want an interdict, preventing the swearing-in of new MK MPs.

The Western Cape High Court sat briefly on Wednesday to consider the urgent application by the dismissed MK MPs. However, the matter was adjourned to the 3rd of September to give parties time to file answering and replying affidavits.

In papers filed in court, the 10 claim they were turned away from their Parliamentary villages on Monday but were allowed back after an intervention by their lawyers.

They also claim that this month, they were paid R12 000 instead of R102 000. The dismissed MK MPs say they were not consulted, nor were proper processes followed to expel them.

“They are seeking setting aside and reviewing their termination from the MK Party. Today, we were in court for an urgent interdict, interdicting the swearing-in of the incoming members in Parliament. The matter has been adjourned to the 3rd of September. In the interim, both parties are going to exchange the answering affidavits and replying affidavits. The second respondent, being the Speaker of the National Assembly has abided by our application. So, we shall wait for the 3rd of September for the court to make a finding based on our papers,” says Wendy Celez, attorney for the expelled MPs.

Court papers also indicate that the expulsion of the MPs was done to create space for former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and other EFF members who will join MK Party.

Parliament says the vacancies will only be filled once the court case is finalized.

The MK Party will be represented by Advocate Dali Mpofu.

Video: MK Party – ‘Starting point is determining how the 10 MPs party membership ended’: Melusi Xulu