Malema’s lawyer confirms warrant

Johannesburg - The lawyer for expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema has confirmed that an arrest warrant has been issued for him, the City Press reported on Friday.

"We have received confirmation from the authorities that there is an arrest warrant issued for Mr Malema," Nicqui Galaktiou of Brian Kahn Attorneys said.

She had not seen the warrant yet but said she was busy discussing his court appearance next week with the authorities.

Galaktiou said they were "likely to see the warrant after the weekend only".

Malema was due to appear in a Pretoria or Polokwane court next week on charges of money laundering, corruption and fraud, it said.

The matter related to his Ratanang Family Trust and its share holding in On-Point Engineering, a company that had allegedly made millions from Limpopo government tenders.

Earlier, authorities would not confirm the report about the warrant.

The National Prosecuting Authority said the SA Revenue Service had applied for a warrant.

"I'm not aware of that. Sars applied for that warrant, so they are in a better place to comment on that," said spokesman Vuyisile Calaza.

"At this stage, we know nothing about the warrant or his arrest. No docket has been brought to us."

Sars spokesman Adrian Lackay said: "Sars does not issue warrants. If warrants are issued, it would be by the SA Police Service."

The Hawks uttered similar remarks.

"The Hawks don't issue warrants, so we don't comment on that," said spokesman McIntosh Polela.

Asked if the unit was planning to arrest Malema, he said: "Even if we were planning to arrest him, we won't tell you."

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa's spokesman, Zweli Mnisi, referred queries to provincial police.

Gauteng police spokesman, Brigadier Neville Malila, said he knew nothing about an arrest warrant for Malema.

Justice department spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga could not immediately be reached for comment. - Reuters and Sapa