EFF MPs who disrupted Ramaphosa defied Speaker's rulings - Parliament

CAPE TOWN - Parliament said that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MPs accused of disrupting another sitting, physically handled National Assembly officials as they defied the Speaker’s rulings. 

On Tuesday, the latest EFF disciplinary hearing in Parliament continued for a second day, with more video evidence from President Cyril Ramaphosa's Presidency budget vote in June 2022, which had to be abandoned. 

Parliament maintains that there was a basis to charge the MPs, who include spokesperson Sinawo Thambo and MP, Naledi Chirwa. 

On Monday, the committee heard the evidence in chief of National Assembly Secretary Masibulele Xaso who agreed that the EFF MPs were guilty of violating the rules. 

Continuing his evidence on Tuesday, Xaso said the MPs also physically handled parliamentary officials. 

"The sergeant-at-arms was pushed by the member, so the member interfered in the performance of his duties and he pushed him and the Speaker made note of that."

But the EFF's defence, Advocate Mfesane Ka-Siboto, questioned the evidence and maintained that the process followed was unfair. 

"As I say, as a matter of principle, you must accept that you are therefore complainants and judges in respect of my members."  

He also said that Parliament identified the wrong MP and called for independent verification.