JOHANNESBURG — The Congress of the People (COPE) has sought a court order confirming the suspension of party deputy president Willie Madisha.
The court order is also expected to confirm the suspension of spokesperson Dennis Bloem and Elections Secretary Mzwandile Hleko.
The trio were suspended last month after a dispute with COPE frontman Mosiuoa Lekota.
The Cope leader wants the Johannesburg High Court to stop Madisha, Bloem and Hleko from serving as officers.
They are also not allowed to participate in party activities or enter party headquarters in Kempton Park.
The injunction would effectively last until the completion of disciplinary proceedings against the three officers.
COPE chairman Teboho Loate filed documents in court after Madisha announced Lekota’s suspension.
Madisha accused Lekota of driving division within the party.
Lekota also faced increasing pressure to step down as leader, but he did not accept it.
He then suspended the three officials who had publicly criticized his leadership.
The suspension led Lekota to call a press conference, which was overshadowed by a fight.
The party also wants a costs order against the three officials.
- Eyewitness News (EWN)
