Malema wants police to steer clear
2012-09-18 21:07
Johannesburg - Expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema has vowed not to allow police to investigate threats against his life.
"...that would be like inviting killers into our home," he told reporters in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Malema claimed government, particularly the security cluster, were planning to kill or illegally arrest him.
He said he had it "on good authority" that there were instructions "to get rid of some of us".
"The defence minister signed our death warrants."
Malema's legal team would look into it.
An outspoken and defiant Malema said he would not be silenced.
He promised to continue fighting for the poor, especially miners who worked in dangerous conditions and were treated like slaves.
"I have nothing to hide... I only have my convictions. Nothing will stop me from fighting for economic freedom, not even my death... We are unshaken," Malema said.
"Since our expulsion from the ANC, we have been on the ground..."
Malema said his lawyers were planning legal action against police for preventing him from entering the Wonderkop stadium in Marikana on Monday to address workers.
Workers were at the stadium to receive feedback on wage negotiations.
Malema claimed police threatened to kill him when he tried to enter.
"Police threatened to isolate us and kill us... They pushed us out against our will... even though we were invited there to speak."
Malema said his car was in a convoy of four at the stadium.
The first two cars entered, after which Malema's car was stopped and searched.
Malema left his car and tried to walk to the meeting, but was prevented from doing so.
He said he was chased out and police threatened to shoot him. He then left.
"What was even more disturbing was that the chopper followed me all the way to Pretoria.
"It was on top of my vehicle... That is taxpayers' money," he said.
Malema criticised the National Prosecuting Authority, several ministers and some unions for steps that were not taken in the aftermath of the shooting.
He said police and civilians should have been disarmed, and police should have been arrested for shooting the miners.
He questioned why 1 000 soldiers had been deployed to Marikana when it was not necessary.
Wearing an ANC t-shirt, Malema wanted to know what an "illegal gathering" was, and said rural villages and ANC branches often held meetings in open fields without permits.
Malema believed people had the wrong idea about him.
"We are not dangerous people. We are peace-loving people. We are not a threat to anyone... Sometimes we just engage... robustly.
"We are not a rebellious group... We will never lead violence. We will lead a political onslaught against political thugs."
Malema said he did not want to lead a violent coup, but rather "through political means".
- SAPA