EFF leader Julius Malema firmly denied that criminals have captured the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Speaking on Saturday at the party’s 3rd Central Command Team meeting of the 3rd National People’s Assembly in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, Malema said the EFF has consistently been at the forefront of demanding accountability from the state.
The Central Command Team is the EFF’s highest decision-making body between the National People’s Assemblies.
EFF Accuses Ramaphosa of Silencing NPA Head
According to IOL, Malema criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for allegedly failing to act on warnings from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
He said the EFF called for an inquiry after NPA head Shamila Batohi claimed “sinister forces” had captured the institution.
“It was the EFF that wrote to the president, demanding an inquiry into Batohi’s claims. Instead of acting, he coerced her into withdrawing her remarks, calling it a misuse of language,” Malema said.
Motion on Extortion Rejected by Other Parties
Malema also pointed to the EFF’s 2024 parliamentary motion to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate extortion rings targeting businesses and residents.
He said the ANC, DA, and IFP, which govern the provinces worst hit by extortion, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, rejected the proposal.
“Extortionists and criminal syndicates celebrated that day, as their political protection worked in their favour,” Malema said.
Support for Mkhwanazi’s Anti-Crime Stance
Malema praised KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for exposing the links between criminal cartels and political figures.
“It took Mkhwanazi breaking ranks for the truth the EFF has always spoken to finally be taken seriously,” he said.
Malema reiterated that the EFF remains independent.
“We have never been and will never be in the pockets of criminals. When we gave other parties the chance to stand against crime, they refused,” he said.
Malema reaffirmed his support for Mkhwanazi and said the EFF would welcome him to join the party if he loses his position in the SAPS.
Do you believe the EFF is truly independent in the fight against crime, or is it using the issue for political gain?
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