Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

Bantu Holomisa's United Democratic Movement has expelled its only councillor in the eThekwini municipality for fraud.

Armugan Chetty was shown the door yesterday.

But the party's national chairman, Bongani Msomi, said it was a coincidence that Chetty was fired on the eve of the opening of the floor-crossing window period that closes on 15 September.

"It is just a coincidence that the party decided to expel Chetty when a lot of movement is expected from politicians, especially at local level," Msomi said.

Chetty was expelled after the party found him guilty of corruption and fraud, said Msomi. He said the party's national executive committee was still considering the future of four other members.

When contacted by Sowetan, Chetty sounded shocked. He said he was going to challenge the UDM in court. He said he was concerned about the timing of his expulsion.

During a provincial council meeting earlier this year, Chetty said there was speculation he would cross the floor to the DA.

"I received a letter informing me that my UDM membership had been terminated. The allegations put forward are not new to me. They tried to do this in April, but I lodged papers in the Durban high court and was reinstated. Now, four months later, the same allegations resurface," said Chetty.

He said he was not going to join the DA or any other party, but would fight his expulsion for the sake of justice.