Cope suspends treasurer Ndude

COPE has suspended its treasurer, Hilda Ndude, on allegations that she siphoned off millions of rands of party funds into her personal accounts.

The party will also open fraud charges against her and conduct a forensic audit to determine the exact amounts she has allegedly abused. She will also face a party disciplinary hearing.

Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota yesterday hinted that the party had overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing by Ndude.

"Steps must be taken to recover the resources of the party and the public from her and her estate," Lekota said.

"There must be a report to the law-enforcement agencies because of the glaring fraudulent activities that have been identified.

"We cannot continue in the tradition of others to harbour in our structures individuals who have betrayed members of Cope and the people who voted for the party.

"The central national executive resolved without blinking an eye to suspend the treasurer."

On being approached for comment yesterday Ndude said: "I cannot comment at this stage because I do not even know what these allegations are about."

Lekota said the party's congress national committee, which met over the weekend, had resolved to elevate former ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama to the position of deputy president.

"This is a comrade with whom I have worked with over a period of time," he said.

"I am thrilled that the CNC has recognised that the presidency should be beefed up."

Lekota also announced that Lyndal Shope Mafole and Deidre Carter had been appointed general secretary and treasurer, respectively, and would resume their duties soon.

Lekota defended the co-option of new members without consulting the general membership.

"There is provision in the constitution that gives the CNC powers to co-opt," he said.

He said the party would propose arbitration with the Mbhazima Shilowa faction. The Shilowa faction is still contesting the legitimacy of Lekota's leadership in court.