DA condemns possible use of police force to expel EFF MPs from Parliament

DA Parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane demanded to know if the police were used to remove EFF MPs from the National Assembly on Thursday.

"To remove the members of the EFF... if by police... I request we cannot allow police to enter this chamber," he said.

"We want to be here to get the state-of-the-nation address but we cannot violate the Constitution of this country."

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and some of his MPs were escorted out the House by security after they had interrupted President Jacob Zuma's speech.

National Council of Provinces chairwoman Thandi Modise explained the presiding officers had a right to call in security.

"We have indeed repeatedly called on members during a joint sitting to heed the call to take a seat," she said.

She said all avenues were exhausted before security was called.

"We are also empowered... to ask for security whichever security to act... I think we should allow this house to do its business," Modise said.