EFF cites Malema's et al suspension from Parliament as 'unlawful'

CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have told the Western Cape High Court that the suspension of leader Julius Malema and five other members of Parliament is “unlawful”.

The party launched another last-ditch attempt to have the red berets' suspension lifted so that they can attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.

The party also said it’s confident the court will rule in its favour as it fights the suspensions.

The EFF was back before the court on Tuesday to launch another urgent application as it tries to get its leaders back in time for SONA.

ALSO READ: Suspension of EFF leaders from SONA to protect Ramaphosa, says party

The EFF’s counsel, Advocate Kameel Premhid told a full bench of the high court that the actual design of the parliamentary system “vests too much power” in the hands of the majority party, in this case, the African National Congress.

He said the dominance of the majority is a “danger to constitutional good order”, and based on numbers the majority can do whatever it wants.

Speaking outside court, EFF chairperson Ntombovuyo Mente said they’re confident the court will grant them relief like it did in the Nkandla protest.

"And it was this particular court that said Parliament has no such right because members of Parliament are sent by the citizens and therefore, they do not have a right to remove members of Parliament."

The court reserved judgement and will make a ruling before 10 am on Thursday.