EFF has filed papers with the constitutional court to challenge the suspension of its MPs

12 November 2014

The Economic Freedom Fighters has filed papers with the Constitutional Court to challenge the suspension of its Members of Parliament by the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Committee (Case Number: CCT 225/2014). This is following the refusal by the Western Cape High Court to hear the matter due to Judge Hlophe's prejudicial dismissal of the case before it was even heard.

Judge Hlophe, who is the Judge President of the Western Cape High Court has refused to have the EFF case heard in the Western Cape High Court, arguing that the EFF is not serious and it disrespect parliament. Hlophe went on to swear at the EFF lawyer and told him that he can go to the media if he so wishes, but the EFF will not be allowed in his court.

This unfit for the bench biased judge acts as a deployee of the ANC in the judiciary, demonstrated also by the case facing him in the JSC brought by two of the Constitutional Court Justices. The justices allege as well that Hlophe sought to influence them on Zuma corruption cases; meaning he tried to protect Jacob Zuma from facing courts. The EFF will not beg down until he is removed completely from the bench since he is there to undermine the rule of law.

The EFF case brought before the Constitutional Court goes beyond the question of the suspension of EFF MPS. It also raises two fundamental issues in our democracy.

Firstly we have asked the court to pronounce on the suitability of Baleka Mbete who is the National Chairperson of the ANC to hold the position of Speaker of Parliament which requires impartiality.

Secondly the Constituting Court will be asked to pronounce once and for all on the status of remedial action prescribed by the Public Protector and that Zuma has no option but to pay back the money he stole from the South African public purse to build his private home, cattle kraals and swimming pools.

Statement issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters, December 12 2014

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