Malema Named in Crime Probe, No Direct Links Found

EFF Leader Julius Malema Named in Commission Testimony, No Direct Evidence Presented

Cape Town – Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been mentioned during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. However, the testimony provided no direct evidence linking the politician to any criminal activities.

A detective from the Gauteng SAPS Organised Crime Unit, identified only as Witness A, gave partial in-camera testimony. He stated that Major-General Richard Shibiri, an intelligence chief, informed him of connections between Malema and other figures.

Witness A recounted that General Shibiri described a network of associations. This included suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and Sandton businessman ZE Nxumalo, who has mining interests in the North West. The testimony suggested that Julius Malema is a close friend of the businessman.

“He said Zee is a close friend of Julius Malema, who is a politician who tends to be close with General Sibiya,” Witness A told the commission. The detective clarified that these statements were presented as hearsay and were not directly related to the core allegations being investigated by the inquiry.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Links to a High-Profile Arrest

The testimony further wove this network to multi-millionaire Katiso “KT” Molefe. Witness A confirmed that his team was responsible for arresting Molefe in December. General Shibiri had indicated that Molefe was connected to Nxumalo, the same businessman linked to the EFF leader.

Witness A was emphatic that the information about Julius Malema and the others was relayed to him as intelligence. He maintained it was not evidence of wrongdoing by the politician. The commission has not seen any proof directly implicating Malema in illegal acts.

Emotional Testimony and Safety Concerns

During his appearance, Witness A became emotional while detailing his team’s work on the murder case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. He revealed that he and a colleague, Witness B, faced such significant safety threats that they were placed in a 24-hour protection program at a secure safe house.

Despite the immense personal risk involved in his work, the detective stated he would choose the same path again. He expressed that his commitment to justice and the gratitude from victims’ families made the danger worthwhile. He concluded his testimony by praising KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his efforts in exposing alleged corruption within the criminal justice system. The commission continues its work.