‘All this for camera action!’ – Van Damme rubbishes EFF assassination claims

In the wake of the video of a member of the EFF slapping a security official at parliament during the Sona proceedings, DA MP Phumzile van Damme has dismissed the EFF’s actions and subsequent claims as attention-grabbing.

Van Damme was responding to a tweet about an article in which the party claimed the slap was a fight-or-flight response to a perceived threat on their leader’s life.

According to Van Damme, the EFF ignored the exit procession protocol and shoved their way out. Their semi-violent exit was met with resistance from parliamentary security officials.

Lies. We waited for judges, Pres, Speakers etc to go out 1st. Speaker had outlined the process of exit to prevent a stampede. EFF, led by JM came from behind us, shoved everyone aside & pushed police & who politely asked them to wait. They did not. All this for camera action! https://t.co/GVlGg5IcLL

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) February 8, 2019

In fact, Van Damme has been condemning the action all morning and she even called for the arrest of those involved in the violence.

I was there. I heard & saw what was a very loud klap. Parliamentary staff & police were just doing their jobs. and becuase the EFF couldn’t get their way, violence was used. A female police officer was shoved. I hope all are arrested for assault. https://t.co/O8nG15EvrX

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) February 8, 2019

The real question is why don’t @SAPoliceService arrest @DlaminiMarshall, immediately?There’s clear evidence of assault. https://t.co/u0G2UzdEj7

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) February 8, 2019

She went on to state that she would still hold the same position had the assault come from a DA member.

If I saw a DA public rep assault a person, TRUST, I would condemn & let the law take its course. Political allegiance does not mean blind support. SA would be a better place if errant politicians weren’t protected by their own just because you happen to support the same party.

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) February 8, 2019

READ NEXT: EFF mocked for claiming they slapped their way out of Malema assassination attempt

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