AfriForum seeks to prosecute Malema

JOHANNESBURG. — Afrikaner interest group AfriForum yesterday announced that it will privately prosecute Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema for his alleged involvement in a suspected botched tender award in Limpopo if the National Prosecuting Authority does not do so.

AfriForum made the announcement of its intent to prosecute Malema at a press briefing in Centurion, Gauteng, yesterday.

“We are planning to prosecute Mr Julius Malema on charges of corruption and fraud,” said Kallie Kriel, AfriForum chief executive.

The NPA hit back saying that a threat to privately prosecute the EFF leader was tantamount to interfering with the body’s work.

“A decision to prosecute has not been taken (by the NPA) yet,” spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku said.

He was responding to AfriForum’s Advocate Gerrie Nel, who announced that Malema and his co-accused would be privately prosecuted for fraud and corruption should the NPA not heed the organisation’s demand for a case against them to be reinstated after it was struck off the roll in 2015.

Malema initially faced those charges in relation to a R52 million contract awarded to On-Point Engineering.

The State previously alleged that Malema substantially benefited from the tender payment to On-Point, using it to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz.

It said Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point.

The case was struck off the roll after one of his co-accused fell ill and the case dragged on. Mfaku said AfriForum wrote to the NPA on March 19 asking about the status of the matter.

“We responded to them, informing them that a prosecutor had been appointed and they were applying their mind. We also told them that the prosecutor had instructed the investigating officer to relook all the evidence, so that we have all the evidence and that witnesses were being interviewed.”

Mfaku said the NPA informed the lobby group that it would make a decision on or before August 18.

“AfriForum is very disingenuous in rushing to make an announcement to the public, while we are still considering the matter. The NPA will not be pressured by AfriForum — they will not dictate to us either. If there are prospects of a successful prosecution, then we will prosecute. If there (aren’t) then we will not prosecute,” said Mfaku.

Nel, who is the head of AfriForum’s private prosecuting unit, held a press briefing in Centurion yesterday where he said the group would prosecute Malema and his co-accused should the NPA not heed the organisation’s demand.

“Even though Malema seems to think he is untouchable, he is definitely not above the law. AfriForum will, therefore, see to it that Malema is called to account. Someone like Malema, who claims to represent the poor people and then plunders the state coffers to enrich himself at the cost of service delivery to poor people, must be exposed for who and what he really is,” said Kriel.

It did not take the fiery leader long to respond to AfriForum’s announcement.

Malema said in a tweet: “Bring it on bloody racists, you don’t scare me at all. I’m born ready! No white man will decide my destiny, the poor masses of our people will . . .”

Nel said: “In reaction hereto the NPA informed AfriForum in writing that the reinstatement of the charges against Malema is currently being considered and that a final decision will be taken by August 2018.” — M&G/News24.