DA questions constitutionality of armed forces in Parli
Mmusi Maimane believes the Executive has colonised Parliament to protect President Jacob Zuma.
The DA leader has been speaking following last night's State of the Nation Address.
Chaos erupted in Parliament when the EFF was forced out of the House. The DA also walked out of Parliament before Zuma completed his address.
#DA exits the National Assembly. #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/a0GfHkJ8Vu
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) February 9, 2017
Maimane says the opposition party will launch an application in the Western Cape High Court to have the deployment of soldiers for non-ceremonial purposes declared unconstitutional.
"The presence of the SANDF yesterday far exceeded its ceremonial role - we can't tolerate it. Armed military police with live ammunition on the precinct of Parliament is completely untenable and unconstitutional, and does not help our democracy," he said.
WATCH BELOW: The DA's James Selfe says the Speaker of Parliament failed to allay their fears regarding the presence of SANDF members in the precinct.
The #DA's James Selfe has questioned the deployment of armed #military personnel to the parliamentary precinct last night. #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/bGhUlT3HBe
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) February 10, 2017