Application for dropping of Malema charges dismissed

By Khanyisa Tabata
02 September 2011

The ANC has dismissed Julius Malema’s legal team’s application to have the disciplinary charges against his dropped. The party has not yet officially confirmed the decision, but word has leaked out from Luthuli House in Johannesburg.

The Youth League leader is believed to be appearing in front of the disciplinary committee inside the building at the moment.

His legal team had argued that the correct procedure had not been followed when he was accused of bringing the ANC into disrepute and sowing division.

Outside, all eyes are now on the reaction of his supporters who have gathered amid a strong riot police presence.

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma says he has told security forces to take very strong action against those who trashed streets and assaulted people in protests earlier this week during Malema’s disciplinary hearing.

Zuma was addressing the media at the end of what he called a very successful state visit to Norway.

Zuma said the protest scenes broadcast to the world was not the exercise of democracy. He called the violence unacceptable and said it interfered with the rights of other citizens.