Independent investigator Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere has been hired by Parliament to investigate claims of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual harassment and intimidation between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MPs and the Parliamentary Protection Services (PPS) officials. 

Earlier this month EFF deputy leader and chief whip Floyd Shivambu submitted a complaint calling on National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to conduct an investigation after EFF members were forcibly removed from the Parliamentary Chamber during the Presidency Budget Vote and the Reply to the Debate on the Budget Vote.

Baloyi-Mere has been tasked to complete the investigation in 14 days and to submit a written report within five working days to Mapisa-Nqakula.

The EFF alleges that its female MPs were inappropriately touched as they were removed from the parliamentary chamber.

The PPS officials also lodged a complaint about the violent treatment they received from EFF members who actively hindered them from carrying out the Speaker's instruction to remove the disruptive members from the Chamber.

The PPS officials further reported certain EFF members threatened and intimidated them.