South African Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party leader Julius Malema talks during an interview with AFP on September 11, 2018 at the party's headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA
At a press conference at EFF headquarters in Braamfontein, party president Julius Malema alleged a witch hunt is behind his party being implicated in the corruption scandal surrounding VBS Bank.
He began by addressing the alleged looting of the bank, saying, “We express disgust at those who looted the poor. Due to corruption and maladministration villagers can’t bury their dead,” he continued.
“We reiterate that those who are found to have benefited illegally must be arrested,” he said.
READ MORE: Shivambu’s brother allegedly pocketed R16m from VBS Bank
However, he continued to allege that the involvement of his own party in the scandal was a result of a “witch-hunt.”
“We reject the witch-hunt and mob justice that seeks to declare people guilty through courts of public opinion. The law must take its course and all who are implicated must fully cooperate with law enforcement institutions,” he said.
The leader of the red berets believes this “witch-hunt” is as a result of the EFF having “exposed the shenanigans of Treasury”.
READ MORE: EFF allegedly received R1.3m in VBS loot directly – report
“When Treasury come to parliament they behave like a law unto themselves,” he said.
He then went on to express “pride” over the removal of Nhlanhla Nene. The EFF appear to be taking credit for the former finance minister’s resignation. Furthermore, they claim the VBS allegations are linked to their supposed role in Nene’s departure.
“We know that [Public Enterprises Minister] Pravin Gordhan and his faction are angry about this and they’ve launched a media attack on the EFF to try and shut us up,” he alleged.
He said that “the appointment of Tito Mboweni means the Pravin Gordhan faction is weakening”.
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.