Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille opened her personal bank account records to members of the media on Thursday to refute claims by former ID Western Cape leader Lennit Max that she pocketed about R400 000 meant for party coffers.
Speaking to journalists in her parliamentary office, De Lille rejected Max’s allegations, and said the ID is very open and transparent.
”The truth will always survive … we will get to the bottom of the allegations,” she said.
It is also puzzling why Max never raised the issue with her personally or in the party’s weekly caucus meetings over a period of seven months, De Lille said.
Earlier on Thursday, De Lille announced Max has been suspended as a member of the party with immediate effect, pending a formal disciplinary hearing.
The hearing will be held in early January 2005 when Max will be charged, and he runs the risk of being expelled from the party.
The suspension is also applicable to his status as a member of the Western Cape provincial legislature, she said.
A preliminary investigation into his activities in the party has revealed that his suspension arises from certain ”facts and circumstances”.
These include:
— Sapa
