EFF faces criminal charges after violent march

The legislature has laid charges including trespassing, damage to property, theft and intimidation against EFF members, it said.

“The legislature has taken serious steps to address this matter, laying criminal charges with the South African Police Services against EFF leader Julius Malema and his party,” the legislature said in a statement.

According to the legislature, an assessment of the damage to property – which included broken windows, doors and furniture within the building – was being undertaken with the intention of filing a civil lawsuit against the EFF to compel the party to pay for damages.

“The Gauteng Legislature remains firm in holding the EFF and its leader accountable for inappropriate behaviour and damages to State property,” it said.

In addition, the legislature was awaiting the decision of the Integrity Commissioner on consequences to be faced by the EFF members of provincial legislature (MPLs).

On 22 July, a Malema-led march to the legislature spiraled out of control as hordes of EFF members allegedly clashed with police and stormed the legislature resulting in several injuries and damage to property.

Police had to resort to using force, including rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Stun grenades were thrown inside the foyer of the legislature where Malema and others were refusing to move.

More clashes erupted outside the building between police, who fired rubber bullets, and EFF members, who retaliated by throwing bottles. EFF members dispersed through the Joburg CBD, some looting shops and vending stalls, emptying trash cans on the streets and burning bins.

The members were protesting over the removal of their MPLs from a sitting on 1 July because they were wearing red overalls bearing EFF insignia. Legislature Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe ordered them to leave the house for wearing the overalls bearing the phrase Asijiki, which means “we do not retreat”, on the back.