Police investigate Malema ‘for firing shots in the air’
Police on Wednesday confirmed they were investigating reports of a firearm being discharged at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium‚ in Mdantsane‚ outside East London‚ where the EFF’s birthday celebrations were held at the weekend.
EFF leader Julius Malema was caught on video shooting what appeared to be a rifle – but he said that the “firearm” was not a real gun. However‚ SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said the matter was being investigated.
“I can confirm that the SAPS registered a case of discharging of a firearm in a built-up area.
“The due processes will follow‚” Naidoo said.
Malema‚ however‚ was adamant that the incident was a simulation and part of a planned act.
“It’s not a firearm and no real bullets were shot. It was a simulation‚ part of our entire act of celebrating the fifth anniversary‚” Malema said.
He said the simulation coincided with the singing of struggle songs and fireworks.
Widely circulated video footage showed Malema carrying what appeared to be a rifle‚ pointing it skywards and firing several “shots” while members of the EFF chanted songs at the rally.
Civil rights group Afriforum said it would lay criminal complaints against Malema for allegedly discharging a firearm and for having an illegal firearm and ammunition.
“He caused danger to the people. It’s definitely an assault rifle. It’s very difficult to get its licence in South Africa,” Afriforum spokesperson Ian Cameron said.
Asked what he thought about complaints being laid against him‚ Malema said: “Let them be my guests.”
eNCA reporter Samkele Maseko ignited a fierce debate on Twitter when he asked Malema on the platform whether his antics promoted political violence.
In a tweet on Wednesday‚ Malema responded: “You are too forward and I thought you will grow with time but you are degeneratin further (sic). Who said it was a rifle?”
In reaction to the tweet‚ some people said the gun Malema was carrying was not real or was simply a prop.
Others expressed their disappointment and said Malema was wrong to fire shots.
The ANC Youth League in eThekwini criticised Malema, calling his behaviour unsafe and irresponsible.
“We therefore call upon law enforcement agencies to investigate this conduct.
“Even for a morally compromised fellow like Julius Malema‚ such conduct is unacceptable and must be condemned.
“The ANC Youth League is concerned that such a public display of reckless behaviour will undermine the efforts made in fighting violent crime in our society.” –