Expelled MK Party MPs are approaching the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg with an urgent application to suspend the party's bank accounts, pending the filing of a compensation claim they intend to pursue.
Additionally, they are asking for the freezing of party president Jacob Zuma's personal bank account, claiming that some of their earnings were transferred into it.
The group is presently appealing the September ruling of the Western Cape High Court, which denied their request for an interdict to stop the swearing-in of their replacements.
The 10 former MKP members were fired in August without any clear explanation. Initially, the party had fired 18 of them and only 10 challenged their expulsion.
According to their statements, they left their prior positions to take seats in Parliament, where they are being paid R102,000 per month. Their challenge to the decision is based on this.
Members claimed that when they were kicked out of their parliamentary housing and political posts, they were the main breadwinners for their families and provided for several dependants.
They allegedly put R10,000 into former president Zuma's personal Bank account, according to court papers filed with the Gauteng High Court.
The applicants claimed that these payments were given as a sign of loyalty, with the knowledge that the money would help the political party run smoothly.
They questioned the party’s decision, arguing that the funds they made during the election campaign were not used for what it was meant for.
The Western Cape High Court is still considering their dismissal.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics