Chaos erupts in South Africa parliament as president answers questions

Chaos erupted again in South Africa's Parliament on Tuesday as President Jacob Zuma answered questions over corruption and other pressing issues.

MPs of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) disrupted the question and answers session when Zuma took the podium, Xinhua reported.

Scuffles also broke out between EFF and ruling African National Congress (ANC) MPs, plunging Parliament into disorder.

Security officers tried to intervened, but EFF MPs were spraying them with fire extinguishers.

Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete ordered EFF MPs to get out of the chamber when they refused to obey rules.

There were chaotic scenes when the EFF were forcibly removed from Parliament. Fists were flying, and hats, water bottles and hand bags flung.

TV footages showed EFF MPs being pushed down the steps and broken windows of Parliament, allegedly damaged by EFF supporters.

Outside Parliament, the EFF MPs were breaking down the door and cracking the old assembly door.

ANC MPs were calling on Parliament to immediately press criminal charges against EFF MPs for assault of Parliament staff and damage to property.

--IANS

sku/