EFF leader Julius Malema addressing his supports in East London last week. Photo: EFF/ Facebook
Minister of Justice condemns attacks on Judicial Officials by EFF leader
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola has condemned the utterances made by EFF leader last week.
EFF leader Julius Malema addressing his supports in East London last week. Photo: EFF/ Facebook
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola has noted with great concern a ‘vitriolic’ attack on a judicial officer by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader after his appearance in the Magistrate Court in East London.
WHAT HAPPENED IN EAST LONDON LAST WEEK?
On 19 October, EFF leader Julius Malema lashed out at Magistrate Twanet Olivier for forever being late and accused him of being incompetent after appearing in the East London court. This after his application to have his 2018 firearm discharge case struck off the roll was denied.
- ALSO READ: WATCH: Julius Malema lashes out at ‘forever late’ Magistrate
- ALSO READ: ‘Incompetent’: Malema slams magistrate after failing to get case struck off the roll
MINISTER OF JUSTICE ADDRESS THE ATTACK BY EFF LEADER
“Whilst it is permissible to criticise and debate the reasoning of judicial officers’ decisions, attacking their person and directing sensational conspiracy theories at judicial officers is not correct by anyone, let alone a member of the Judicial Services Commission,” Minister of Justice criticised.
In rectifying Malema’s outburst, Lamola said: “We call upon all role players to ensure they uphold the independence of the judiciary by seeking accountability through established channels, not populist channels where no due process can be established.
“It is common cause that where one believes there is questionable conduct by a judicial officer, complaints should be duly filed with the Judicial Services Commission or the Magistrates Commission, as the case may be”.
CHARGES FACED BY MALEMA
In 2018, the EFF leader allegedly discharged a rifle at the party’s fifth-anniversary rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, East London.
In the viral video, party leaders could be seen dancing and singing on the stage. Fast-forward, Malema allegedly is seen firing the rifle into the air before he hands it over to Adriaan Snyman. He then gives EFF chairman Dali Mpofu a high five.
Consequently, a case was opened against Malema. He currently faces the following charges: Unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and three counts of contravening the Firearms Control Act.
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