Sowetan understands that Ndude has been found guilty of gross mismanagement of party funds by its national disciplinary committee

COPE is to announce the expulsion of its treasurer general Hilda Ndude today.

Sowetan understands that Ndude has been found guilty of gross mismanagement of party funds by its national disciplinary committee.

Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota announced Ndude's suspension in January, saying there was sufficient evidence against her.

He alleged Ndude deposited the party's money into her personal account and those of her relatives.

Party spokesman Buks Mahlangu yesterday refused to confirm or deny Ndude would be dismissed.

"The disciplinary process has been completed and recommendations have been sent to the central executive committee, and the decision will be announced tomorrow."

But Western Cape members of Cope, where Ndude comes from, have accused Lekota of having worked with Ndude to defraud the organisation.

Cope leader in the Western Cape, Mbulelo Ncedana, has since opened a case of corruption and mismanagement against Lekota. He said Lekota worked with Ndude to defraud the organisation.

But Lekota has since dismissed the allegations as pure nonsense.

"When a criminal tricks you, does that make you a criminal?" Lekota asked.

Ndude could not be reached for comment.