By Thapelo Molefe
The Economic Freedom Fighters has strongly condemned death threats made against one of its MPs, Carl Niehaus.
The party described these threats as “despicable and barbaric”, linking them to Leon Johan Koekemoer, the leader of the far-right extremist group Delta. The threats reportedly gained the support of 538 of Koekemoer’s followers.
According to the EFF, the threats against Niehaus constitute an attack on the safety and freedom of an activist who has consistently fought against apartheid-era oppression.
Koekemoer allegedly posted the threats on his Facebook page earlier this week. In his post, he reportedly called for Niehaus’s assassination, accusing him and the EFF of “attacking white South Africans, farmers and racism”.
Niehaus has been outspoken against racism and far-right ideologies.
The party said his commitment to social justice has made him a target of extremist groups. It emphasised that his work toward racial equality and unity has angered those who continued to hold onto white supremacist beliefs.
Koekemoer has a history of far-right activism, having been a former member of the Boeremag, a right-wing militant group known for its past involvement in terrorist activities.
The EFF argues that his latest actions are part of a broader pattern of extremism that remains a threat to South Africa’s democratic values.
Niehaus confirmed that he has taken legal action against Koekemoer.
“His white racist followers now agreed on Facebook that I should be assassinated, and no less than 538 responded to his mad, bloodthirsty call, using the most vile racist language to support his criminal call for my assassination.”
He further stated that he had opened a criminal case against Koekemoer and his associates at the Cape Town Central Police Station, making it clear that he refused to be intimidated.
In an X post, Niehaus elaborated on the situation, identifying Koekemoer as a leader of a paramilitary right-wing group and a former apartheid-era Special Forces operative.
Niehaus noted that Koekemoer’s Facebook post had prompted a flood of racist comments, supporting his call for violence.
“I will NOT be threatened or intimidated by Koekemoer, or for that matter anyone else. I am very grateful to the senior police officer in charge, who gave my complaint the serious and urgent attention that it deserves. Due to his very professional efficiency, I almost immediately received a case number,” he said.
“Koekemoer is going to find out that he has now messed with the wrong man. I will not rest until he is in prison, where a racist like him belongs. People like this makes me even more determined to fight these ‘Boere’/‘Afrikaner’ racists to the hilt. I will continue to denounce them, and NEVER give them an inch!”
Following Niehaus’s complaint, Koekemoer responded on Facebook, dismissing the allegations against him and reiterating his stance against the EFF.
“Media has been contacting me about Carl Niehaus’s post and charges against me. Well, whatever happens, we are not standing one step back against his and the EFF’s attack on the white man and the farmer – racism!”
“Let’s talk about his and EFF’s hatred of the white man, inciting violence and murder of the white man and the farmer, and then, of course, black-on-white racism! He may possibly be scared; I don’t know why! But I fear no man; I bow before our Heavenly Father alone!” he said.
The EFF has vowed to closely monitor the case, urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The party emphasised that individuals who incite violence and promote extremist ideologies should not be allowed to do so without facing legal consequences.
“It is unacceptable that individuals like Koekemoer, who openly advocate for violence and murder, are allowed to propagate such dangerous ideologies in the public sphere without facing consequences.”
The party called for Koekemoer and his followers to be held accountable, insisting that their actions must be met with the full force of the law.
“We stand resolute in our belief that South Africa’s freedom and democracy will never be undermined by individuals like Koekemoer and his hate-driven agenda,” it said.
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