MALEMA: ‘I’m here to disturb the white man’s peace’

NEWCASTLE – Economic Freedom Fighter, Chief in Command (CIC), Julius Malema appeared in the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, November 7.

He faced charges of contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956 which included inciting, instigating, commanding or procuring his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) followers and/or others to commit crime, to wit, trespass, by illegally occupying any vacant land.

In June this year, Malema reportedly urged his supporters in Newcastle to invade land that ‘whites’ had no claim to in South Africa.

Preparations of mass demonstration were well under way as EFF supporters gathered outside the court. With a sea of red berets cheering their leader on, Malema made a brief appearance in court before magistrate, Ian Colditz.

His lawyer, Tumi Mokoena, proposed the case be postponed to December 7. The magistrate agreed to the postponement pending proof of the application to the High Court, where the matter will be heard on May 5 next year.

Mr Mokoena alleged charges against his client were unconstitutional.

African National Congress and Inkatha Freedom Party supporters joined EFF supporters to show their solidarity regarding the occupation of land.

“We are the residents of the land and fully support Malema,” said supporters of the ANC and IFP.

Outside the courtroom, EFF supporters waited in anticipation as Malema addressed the crowd.

Malema then referred to several struggle icons such as Chris Hani, Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, who were prepared to die for their principles, and said black South Africans were the rightful owners of the land and it should be returned to them.

“It is not because of buildings that this place is called Newcastle; Newcastle is a piece of land that is your identity. When you try to occupy unoccupied land, they say you are committing a crime, because you are taking a white man’s land. I will never serve white masters; I’m here to disturb the white man’s peace,” he proclaimed.

“The white man has been too comfortable for too long. They have been swimming in a pool of privilege because they have always owned our land,” he continued.

“They committed black genocide, and killed our people during land disposition. They slaughtered black people like animals, we are not calling for the slaughtering of white people at least for now. We are calling for peaceful occupation of the land and we don’t owe anyone an apology.”

“Revolution is about making those who are comfortable, uncomfortable, from those swimming in a peaceful environment through exploitation of the working class.We want to make you comfortable in your country and land. This belongs to you,” he

concluded.