Lawyers for six suspended United Democratic Movement politicians will argue their case in the Cape High Court on August 29 — only three days before the opening of the September floor-crossing window.
The six, who include UDM deputy leader and MP Malizole Diko, were suspended from party membership on August 5, apparently after rumours that they intended to defect to another party.
They have since filed an application to stop the UDM expelling them, and to review the suspension decision.
Lawyers for the six and for the UDM confirmed on Thursday that Cape Judge President John Hlophe had set aside August 29 for the hearing.
By agreement, the UDM will not take further disciplinary action before then.
Asked on Thursday if the six did intend to defect, Diko said: ”What we are busy with now is fighting the unjust actions that have been taken against us. Only once we have finished with the case we will start saying what is next. But we are committed members of this party, a party that we founded.”
The other five suspended members are Diko’s fellow-MP Nomakhaya Mdaka and four MPLs, one each from the Western and Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo.
If they are expelled from the party, they lose their legislature seats.
However if they are still members of the UDM when the floor-crossing window opens on September 1, they can defect to another party and retain their seats. – Sapa