ANC denies Malema charges political

Johannesburg - The ANC on Wednesday denied accusations that the charges brought against axed youth league leader Julius Malema were politically motivated.

“We reject this accusation with contempt, as it is misleading and seeking to undermine the rule of law and jurisprudence of the country,” spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.

“We want to appeal to our structures and to all South Africans to refrain from using inflammatory and unsubstantiated accusations against the ANC and the government agencies.”

The African National Congress in Limpopo and the ANC Youth League have accused the ruling party of using the charges against Malema to fight political battles.

Mthembu said: “In relation to charges favoured against (Malema) we want to state it categorically that the ANC, its president comrade Jacob Zuma and its leadership have no role in the charges.”

Malema appeared in the Polokwane Regional Court on Wednesday.

He was charged with money-laundering and granted bail of R10 000. The case was postponed until November 30.

The ANC called on those who had evidence of the abuse of state powers and its agencies to submit evidence in court as part of the defence.

Mthembu said the ANC was confident that the court would do its job without political motivation.

“It is evident that anybody that suggests the abuse of state powers is trying to water down the implications inherent in the charges and prejudging the case before it has even started,” he said.

“Let's allow the law to take its course, and presume everyone appearing before the courts innocent until proven guilty.” - Sapa