Late in November 2014 the Office of the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature learned through media reports that the South Gauteng High Court has convicted, Mr Papiki Babuile who is the Member of the North West Provincial Legislature and the Whip of the official opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for the murder of the late Regional Secretary of the ANC in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region, Aubuti Chika.
Given the fact that Mr Papiki Babuile represents his party in the Legislature, it is regrettable that the Hon. Speaker of the Legislature, Hon. Susan Dantjie was not informed on the developments of his case
Hon Speaker, as the person charged with the authority to ensure smooth running of the institution, took it upon herself to write a letter to the EFF on the 16 January 2014 requesting details relating the conviction of Mr Babuile and his subsequent sentencing.
Part of the details solicited was whether or not Mr Babuile, has appealed the matter and relevant details thereto, as well as to ascertain his status and eligibility to occupy a seat in the Legislature. This would have assisted the Legislature to take an informed decision and to act on the matter in terms of its rules and procedures.
The EFF failed to respond and acknowledge receipt of the letter from the Hon Speaker thus causing for a follow up letter issued on the 26 January 2015 requesting further clarity with a firm indication that should there be no response within five days of receipt of the letter then the Legislature will have no choice but to immediately suspend the salary of Mr Babuile and to initiate the processes that will lead to the termination of Mr Babuile’s membership as a Member of the North West Provincial Legislature.
The Speaker view this matter in a very serious light and intend to speedily bring it to its logical conclusion by taking all steps necessary in law to address the status of Mr Babuile as well as his eligibility to continue his membership in the Legislature.
Enquiries:
Teboho Chaane
Spokesperson in the Office of the Speaker
Cell: 072 330 9494
