A SECURITY company has laid a criminal charge against EFF leader and member of parliament, Julius Malema after he allegedly assaulted one of their security guards at an event that was held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane over the past weekend.
Global Strake Security media liaison officer, Phoda Mapeka, alleged that Malema assaulted one of their security guards when he and his entourage who were travelling in several luxury vehicles, allegedly insisted on leaving the venue through the entrance gate in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mapeka said the security guards approached Malema and asked him to use the exit gate, but he allegedly argued with them, until he alighted from his vehicle and allegedly slapped one of the security guards and pushed him against the gate.
“The security guard fell to the ground and while he was on the floor, three of Malema’s bodyguards reportedly also alighted and pointed their firearms at him.
“They then pushed the entrance gate open and drove off,” Mapeka said.
He said Global Strake Security was extremely disappointed and dismayed at Malema’s alleged behaviour.
“He claims to be a vanguard of the working class but at the same time obstructs them from performing their duties by undermining and assaulting them,” he alleged.
“Just last week, AfriForum accused Malema of assaulting a man at a restaurant in Tzaneen in August last year and the EFF defended this by saying he was defending the rights and dignity of black workers. It is now evident that he’s just a bully with anger management problems who does not abide by any rules but his own,” Mapeka opined.
A case of assault was opened at the Polokwane police station on Sunday evening, Mapeka confirmed.
“We trust and hope that the authorities will give this case the necessary attention in order to prevent Malema from behaving so atrociously in the future,” Mapeka said.
Provincial police spokes-person, Col Ronél Otto confirmed that cases of malicious damage to property, common assault and pointing a firearm had been opened against Malema.
Otto further said the police were still taking statements from both parties and the investigation continued.
By the time of going to print, neither Malema nor EFF spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, could be reached for comment, with both their cell phones switched off.
