JOHANNESBURG — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema believes the joint attack case against him and EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi stemmed from white supremacy.
Malema and Ndlozi were filmed in an altercation with Lt. Col. Johannes Venter at Fourways Cemetery during the funeral of the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in April 2018.
Malema spoke in Randburg Magistrates Court on Friday after his failed attempt to settle the case without incurring a penalty.
The NPA announced it would prosecute Malema and Ndlozi after private prosecutors from pressure group AfriForum made a request to the state in 2019.
Venter opened criminal proceedings against Malema and Ndlozi in 2018.
Malema spoke up and told the court that his actions were justified because Venter, whom he calls a white supremacist, is preventing him from burying Madikizela-Mandela.
He also accused AfriForum of having ulterior motives.
“AfriForum is at the center because its mission is to spread hatred and division among our people,” Malema said.
Malema’s co-accused, Ndlozi, is expected to start giving evidence when the case goes to court on July 1.
