Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie has expelled Bitou councillor Heinright Mitchell from the party.
McKenzie announced Mitchell’s expulsion via a Facebook live video last week.
Mitchell had taken to a PA WhatsApp group to accuse party leaders of plotting against him.
In the expulsion letter, McKenzie said the unfounded accusation undermined the integrity of the party’s national executive committee and brought its leadership into disrepute.
“Your statements have caused significant harm to the reputation of the party, and we view this as a material breach of the trust placed in you as a representative of the Patriotic Alliance.
“Given the seriousness of your actions, it has been decided that your membership in the PA is hereby terminated, with immediate effect.
“Your expulsion from the party is final, and this decision has been made in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.”
Asked about his expulsion, Mitchell forwarded a copy of his message.
It reads: “[The] NEC plotted against me, wanted to remove me. They failed.
“Ward 4 plotted against me to [be] removed, they failed, not one of these parties succeeded to remove me. But they failed because of God.
“But now after God protected me and showed his hand is on my life [I] want to humbly inform the leadership that [I am] willing to stand down.”
Mitchell said he would launch a political party called the People’s Decision Movement.
“I am not going to speak ill of the PA, however, I will be starting my own thing.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they have granted me and still stand that the NEC was plotting to remove me,” Mitchell said.
In the Facebook live video, McKenzie instructed the party’s administration staff to serve Mitchell with an expulsion letter.
He said he was frustrated with individuals who acted as if they were working for others within the PA while accusing colleagues of sabotaging them.
“When I wake up tomorrow I want that councillor to receive his letter of expulsion with immediate effect.”
PA spokesperson Steve Motale could not be reached by the time of publication.
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