JUST IN: Malema’s trial date has been set

Due to a scathing speech delivered in November last year, Julius Malema faces additional charges on the grounds of inciting violence and trespassing.

February 24, 2017

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

Economic Freedom Fighter, Julius Malema appears in the Newcastle Magistrate's Court.

Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) Commander-In-Chief, Julius Malema appeared in the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court this morning (February 24).

In June of 2016, Malema reportedly urged local supporters to invade land which ‘whites had no claim to’ in South Africa.

During a speech in November last year after his first appearance, on charges of contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act, for encouraging his supporters to occupy land illegally, Malema was quoted saying “We are here to disturb the ‘white man’s’ peace. We will take the land no matter how.”

He was charged a second time by his comments for inciting violence and trespassing.

CIC @Julius_S_Malema takes the stand at the Newcastle Magistrate Court charged for calling on land occupation pic.twitter.com/2bp4rXBAef

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 24, 2017

Magistrate, Ian Colditz said the matter would be postponed for trial from July 4 to July 6.

National Spokesman for the EFF, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said, “The charge was an incitement under common law to trespass in the state and as far as we are concerned, the complainant was identified as a white farmer in Newcastle.”

EFF Julius Malema, has a word with his team before court proceedings.

Mr Ndlozi then said the court appearance this morning was a waste of time.

“The ANC is trying to frustrate us for uprooting the corrupt ANC on the ground against ‘white’ monopoly capital.”

He said the charges were an attempt to silence the EFF despite the Freedom Charter and demands from EFF supporters to the effect people have the right to occupy land wherever they choose.

A direct quote from the Freedom Charter states, "all shall have the right to occupy land wherever they choose". (3)

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 23, 2017

“If we are here in full support of the occupation of land struggles and land expropriation, then why isn’t the ANC also not in court? Why isn’t the National Prosecuting Authority not going after (President, Jacob) Zuma, who agrees with the occupation of land?” he asked.

Mr Ndlozi then claimed there were clear double standards from the NPA.

He questioned why Malema would face such charges for advocating land occupation in an obvious environment of colonial land ownership, 23 years into democracy.

WATCH: Outside the Court, EFF National Spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi speaks on Malema’s appearance in court.