Julius Malema AfriForum court

Photo: EFF / Twitter

Just in: Julius Malema hit with three criminal charges filed by AfriForum

Julius Malema’s controversial statements about the police have landed him in troubled waters, as AfriForum launch their bid for prosecution.

Julius Malema AfriForum court

Photo: EFF / Twitter

Another battle between Julius Malema and AfriForum looms over the horizon this week, as the lobby group opened several cases against the EFF leader. It was confirmed on Wednesday that the legal paperwork had been filed successfully.

What criminal charges have been filed against Julius Malema

Malema caused nationwide outrage when he called for his supporters to ‘fight with police officers in their homes’. The statement drew the anger of Police Minister Bheki Cele, who claimed that the 39-year-old had ‘crossed the line’. AfriForum are in staunch agreement, and lodged three separate criminal charges against the political firebrand:

  • A charge of libel was filed first.
  • Conspiracy to incident violence has been registered, too.
  • AfriForum also seek criminal charges against Malema for assault by means of threats.

‘The EFF leader is not above the law’ – AfriForum

A statement was released by AfriForum on Wednesday morning after their application was supported by the trade union Solidarity. The group says they have received complaints from 1 000 police officers, who approached them with concerns about threatening remarks made by Mr. Malema. Ernst Roets believes this case must show Juju ‘he is not above the law’.

“Today, we lodged criminal charges of libel, conspiracy to incite violence, and assault by means of threats at the Lyttelton police station against Julius Malema, leader of the EFF. It is clear that Malema still believes that he is above the law.”

“The reason why Malema makes these remarks in the first place is that to date there have been no consequences for all the previous incidents where he openly incited violence. If the police do not take this matter with the necessary seriousness, Malema will see it as a confirmation that he is indeed above the law.”

Ernst Roets, Head of Policy for AfriForum