By Palesa Matlala
- Julius Malema told a press conference in Johannesburg that he is friends with businessman Zesimdumise Nxumalo but is not a criminal.
- The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard claims that the businessman used his police connections to try and arrest Musa Khawula.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema says he knows controversial businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo.
Malema spoke at a press conference at the Winnie Madikizela Mandela House in Johannesburg on Thursday.
He said he has nothing to do with crime.
Nxumalo’s name recently came up at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission heard that Nxumalo had unusual access to police documents.
He allegedly used this access to pressure police into arresting blogger Musa Khawula. The commission also heard that Malema and Nxumalo are close friends.
Malema defended his friendship with Nxumalo.
He said people know Nxumalo because of his family’s political history.
“I know Ze. Ze Nxumalo is a child of Professor Nxumalo who was the founder of the IFP,” Malema said.
He said the businessman’s father was the first general secretary of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Malema said he is not scared to speak about his friends because he does not break the law.
“I don’t engage in criminal activity. I’m not a criminal and that’s why I speak freely,” he said.
He said people only focus on him when looking at Nxumalo’s friends.
“They mention me because they are looking for me. But they ignore others who are connected to him,” Malema said.
Pictured above: Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.
Image source: File
