Security Minister takes charge of Malema investigation

Minister of State Security David Mahlobo has taken charge of government efforts to have EFF leader Julius Malema arrested for making ‘violent threats’ against the state, says a Sunday Times report. It says Mahlobo and Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza have had several meetings to discuss criminal action they want taken against the EFF leader. The ANC laid a complaint of ‘high treason’ against Malema and the Hawks have since confirmed they are investigating. But Malema is not taking it without a fight. He told thousands of EFF supporters gathered at a packed Orlando Stadium at the weekend for his party’s manifesto launch that he was ready to take on Mahlobo. According to a Cabinet Minister privy to the plans against Malema, Mahlobo wants him arrested, and believes that he and Ntlemeza can convince National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams to prosecute the EFF leader. The investigation stems from Malema’s remarks during an interview with Al Jazeera that the EFF ‘will run out of patience very soon’ and ‘we will remove this government through the barrel of a gun’. Addressing 40 000 party supporters in Soweto, Malema said he was not scared of war or violence. ‘They confuse truth with treason,’ Malema said. He dedicated the tail-end of his speech to Mahlobo, whom he dubbed as a ‘small boy’ and a ‘not intelligent Intelligence Minister’. The report notes the Hawks are said to be under pressure to conclude their investigation. But spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi denied claims of political pressure. ‘The matter is being looked at and once completed will be taken to the NPA for a decision,’ said Mulaudzi.