AfriForum gathered from trusted sources in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that Julius Malema will be prosecuted and will soon need to appear in court (probably the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape). This follows after AfriForum laid charges against Malema after he fired off shots with an object which looked like an assault rifle during the EFF’s five-year festivities in 2018.
“AfriForum attempted to formally confirm this confidential information with the NPA. However, it seems as though the NPA is burying its head in the sand and refuses to take responsibility for its decision surrounding Malema’s prosecution, notwithstanding the NPA’s undertaking to announce its decision regarding this matter to AfriForum by 2 October 2019,” says Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s Head of Community Safety.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, led by Adv. Gerrie Nel, indicated earlier this year that AfriForum will approach the court to subsequently force the NPA to make a decision regarding Malema’s prosecution. Malema faces many charges as a result of various actions and AfriForum has already on many occasions expressed its concern that Malema’s offences are handled differently than those of other citizens.
The NPA only decided to look into Malema’s prosecution after AfriForum’s involvement, but still remains silent about the prosecution of the alleged shooting incident. Should the NPA and SAPS maintain their silence surrounding this matter, AfriForum will use all available remedies to guide the prosecution in a direction.
“The NPA was afforded the opportunity in this case to show the public that they prosecute crimes – notwithstanding the offender’s identity and without any fear and/or preference. However, it currently seems that this law enforcement authority prefers to maintain its already distorted image and will act in Malema’s favour,” says Cameron.
“If the NPA is not able or willing to handle the prosecution, AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit will take over the reins to ensure that justice prevails,” says Marnus Kamfer, AfriForum’s Law and Risk Manager.
Read the original article in Afrikaans on AfriForum
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