THE Democratic Alliance is set to lay criminal charges against EFF leader Julius Malema and EFF MP, Nazier Paulsen, on Monday, according to Natasha Mazzone, Chief Whip of the Official Opposition.
This comes a few days after Malema posted a picture of an AK47 rifle on his Twitter account, telling the “Ground Forces” to attack after a group of farmers took to the streets and stormed the Senekal Magistrate’s Court looking for two suspects – Sekwetje Mahlamba and Sekola Matlaletsa – who were on trial for the murder of farmer manager, Brendin Horner.
Horner’s body was found tied to a pole with a rope around his neck last week.
Malema argued that the protesters were treated differently to black South Africans, and took a swipe at President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Malema tweeted: “Since the government of Cyril Ramaphosa is extremely scared to respond decisively, we are on our own. Next appearance, all ground Forces and peace loving South Africans will be in attendance, in defense of property. Fighters attack!!”
Said Mazzone on Sunday: “These inflammatory utterances are a serious offence, especially by members of Parliament who are bound by an Oath of Office.”
“In what constitutional democracy in the world will elected public representatives be allowed to openly and publicly incite racial warfare? The DA will not allow it to happen here. This kind of rhetoric has no place in our country.”
Mazzone also called on Police Minister Bheki Cele to ensure that their “war talk” and incitement to commit violence is criminally investigated.
The DA said on Thursday it will refer Malema and EFF MP Nazier Paulsen to Parliament’s ethics committee.
Malema and his members are planning to attend the Senekal trial on Friday, October 16, to ‘defend the property and democracy, a decision many fear may lead to bloodshed and a ‘Civil War’.
Police minister’s spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said a massive operational plan has been put in place ahead of the Senekal trial on Friday.
Themba said that demonstrations need to be done responsibly and authorities are present outside the court in October.
The DA also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to publicly condemn the EFF, and for Parliament to investigate and take necessary action against them.
“For too long Julius Malema and his thugs have gotten away with this kind of behaviour. In the absence of accountability for the actions and utterances they feel increasingly emboldened to say and do what they want. South Africans are sick of it,” said Mazzone.
“It is time that Julius Malema and his gang of thugs face accountability for their actions and utterances. It is time that the minister of police and the president of the country make their voices heard. The DA will not rest until this happens.”
The EFF has labelled DA’s plan to lay criminal charges against Malema as a publicity stunt and a ‘pathetic attempt at courting the sympathies of right-wing elements in this country’.
(COMPILED BY INSIDE POLITICS STAFF)
