Unions welcome Malema's warrant of arrest

Julius Malema visits the Aurora Mine, to listen to the workers concerns. Picture: Taurai Maduna/EWN.
| 23 September 2012
JOHANNESBURG - News of Julius Malema's arrest warrant has been largely welcomed by trade unions.

The warrant reportedly involves irregularities related to the expelled youth league leader's Ratanang Family Trust Fund as well as corruption allegations.

Trade union Solidarity says Malema has a history of defying the constitution.

Solidarity’s Dirk Hermann says the arrest warrant should remind all government leaders that South Africa is a constitutional state.

“Everyone must respect South Africa’s constitution. We can’t allow anyone to disrespect the constitution.”

Meanwhile, Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi assumes the Hawks have enough evidence to justify the warrant being issued.

“We assume that the warrant is based on concrete evidence that the Hawks may have. We’re not in a position to say whether the case is correct or not.”

Malema has so far been unavailable for comment.  

But in the short message posted on Twitter, he said “it is better to die standing that to live on your knees.”

Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League has vowed to support Malema throughout his looming battle.

Malema and the league believe he is being persecuted.

It is also reported that Malema owes the South African Revenue Service (Sars) R16 million.

He is expected to appear in a Polokwane court with nine others later this week.

(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)