‘I came to EFF wearing Louis Vuitton,’ says Malema outside Hawks office
The EFF leader has told the Hawks to go ahead and charge him for the firearm incident, and he'll deal with it in court.
EFF leader Julius Malema surrounded by other top party members at the High Court in Pretoria, August 1, 2019. Picture: @EFFSouthAfrica
“No one can tell me what to wear, I came to the EFF wearing to Louis Vuitton,” said EFF party leader Julius Malema outside the Hawks’ head office in Silverton after appearing for a warning statement relating to allegations that he discharged a firearm during the EFF’s fifth birthday party celebrations in East London in 2018.
The Hawks, according to Malema, provided him with five charges against him and asked that he respond to them. He said the party would not respond and would wait for proceedings to continue.
South African law allows for accused persons to exercise the right to silence.
Addressing the media, Malema accused the Hawks of being mischievous and said the party would deal with the allegations on the appropriate platforms and subject themselves to the processes of the law.
“If they want to charge, they must charge. We’ll speak in court. We don’t think there is anything to answer to. I don’t know why they are being dramatic.”
He publicly denied all the five allegations against him, however.
Malema went on to also repudiate reports that the EFF spent R500,000 at the Durban July this year. He said his brother had a marquee that sold drinks and tickets to make a profit.
On allegations that he lives opulently, he maintained that he has always worn luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, since when Debora Patta – who made accusations about it – was a journalist.
“Go and ask Debora Patta. I came to the EFF with Louis Vuitton and Gucci. I came to the EFF wearing the brands before VBS.
“Anyone who voted for the EFF knows that I came to the EFF wearing Gucci. No one can tell me what to wear. What I wear does not influence my political consciousness and commitment to the revolution.”
He confirmed the EFF would host a memorial for late former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe on September 12 at the Orlando East Community Hall.
“Let’s all remember him in different ways. Wait until FW de Klerk dies. He is going to look better than Mugabe, according to those who tell us who to celebrate.”
He condemned ongoing xenophobic attacks and said they were a crime against humanity.
Asked about another criminal matter that has seen him being accused of assaulting a police officer at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s funeral, Malema said the “Afrikaner” officer had attempted to stop him, and he would not have allow anyone to stop him from attending Winnie’s funeral or being next to her casket.
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