AfriForum takes a swipe at the NPA for alleged reluctance to go after Malema and Shivambu

JOHANNESBURG - Lobby group AfriForum has accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of being afraid to go after Julius Malema over his alleged links to the VBS Mutual Bank grand theft of over R2.2 billion.

On Friday, the organisation formally laid criminal charges against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader and his deputy Floyd Shivambu at the Sandton Police Station.

AfriForum lambasted the NPA, suggesting that it fears prosecuting the duo.

The group has been very vocal about its stance against those allegedly linked to the collapse of the VBS Mutual Bank.

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AfriForum said that the charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering relating to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal must be investigated against Malema and Shivambu.

Soon after laying the charges, AfriForum's Gerrie Nel took a swipe at the NPA.

"We think that there is reluctance by the NPA to take action and to prosecute Mr Malema and Mr Shivambu. We will monitor the investigation and if nothing happens we will get involved ourselves."

Malema and Shivambu were named in a leaked 77-page affidavit by disgraced former VBS Mutual Bank chairperson, Tshifhiwa Matodzi.

They are said to have been paid a lump sum of R5 million and received R1 million monthly at the behest of Matodzi in exchange for not speaking badly about the bank during public engagements.

He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment this week for multiple counts of racketeering, theft, fraud and money laundering.

This sentence was reduced from 495 years after he struck a deal with the State.

Police say they are currently investigating claims made against the two politicians.