ANC denies Malema bid to drop charges

No let-off for Juju
The African National Congress said on Friday it had denied a request from its Youth League leader Julius Malema to drop charges against him brought by a disciplinary committee.

This means a hearing will proceed against Malema, who has been accused of sowing divisions in the ANC ranks. Malema could be suspended from the party if found guilty, derailing the career of one of the country’s most popular political leaders.

“The National Disciplinary Committee dismissed comrade Julius Malema’s application to have the charges quashed,” it said in a statement.

Malema bought an application on Tuesday to have the disciplinary charges bought against him dropped.

On Wednesday and Thursday the NDC considered the appeal.

After the announcement to the media that Malema’s appeal had been quashed, Youth League supporters sang louder than before.

Protesters carried placards expressing contempt for President Jacob Zuma and support for Malema.

Another read: “Apologies to our journalists, we wish you a speedy recovery — from ANCYL Alexandra branch”.

This was after stones, bottles and rocks were thrown at journalists and police on Tuesday.

Charged with Malema are ANCYL spokesman Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer general Pule Mabe, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa and deputy secretary general Kenetswe Masenogi.

All except Shivambu would appear before the committee on Friday. His disciplinary hearing had been postponed to a later date.