Julius Malema Denies Involvement In VBS Scandal “You Are Barking At The Wrong Door”

EFF leader Julius Malema continues to maintain his innocence and has dismissed claims that he benefited from funds looted from VBS Mutual Bank.

This bank collapse left pensioners destitute, and recent developments have brought renewed scrutiny to the allegations against Malema and his party.

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Last week, former VBS Mutual Bank chairperson Tshifhiwa Matodzi was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Pretoria High Court.

Matodzi pleaded guilty to 33 counts, including corruption, theft, fraud, and money laundering. These activities led to the collapse of the bank. In his affidavit, Matodzi claimed that he made donations to the EFF after meeting Malema and his deputy Floyd Shivambu.

He alleged that the donations were made in exchange for positive publicity and to silence their criticism about the bank’s loan to former President Jacob Zuma for Nkandla.

Malema has steadfastly denied these allegations. In a video shared on social media by the EFF, Malema dismissed the claims, stating, “There’s nothing anyone can say that will shake us. There’s nothing the EFF has done illegally. Anyone who wants the VBS money, you are barking at the wrong door.”

He further emphasized that the party did not run any municipalities and was not responsible for the funds being placed in VBS accounts. Malema asserted that the accusations were intended to destroy the party.

Despite Malema’s denials, ActionSA Limpopo Chairperson Victor Mothemela has called for an investigation into Malema and Shivambu’s alleged link to the VBS funds. Mothemela stated, “The political leaders of Limpopo are not happy about what is happening.

“There’s no way we can fold our arms as if nothing is happening while people are enriching themselves, claiming to be ambassadors of peace in South Africa. It is important to investigate this to ensure the old people of Vhembe and Mopani who lost their money get justice.”

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Though no evidence currently proves the EFF leaders’ involvement, Mothemela believes Matodzi’s testimony should prompt police to investigate further.

“Mr Matodzi’s statement reveals information and evidence we suspected. We never proved anything, but as long as someone can write a statement under oath, it confirms that’s the true reflection of what happened. We want to see senior politicians being held accountable, and justice must prevail,” he said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.