Julius Malema Threatens Legal Action Against Helen Zille Over Defamation Claims

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has threatened legal action against Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille, accusing her of making defamatory allegations about him.

Malema's lawyers have sent Zille a formal demand following an interview she gave to eNCA on Sunday, in which she accused him of influencing major decisions in the City of Johannesburg during Herman Mashaba's tenure as mayor.

Zille alleged that Mashaba allowed Malema to dictate decisions involving City Power and the city's fleet tender because he needed the EFF leader's support to remain in office.

She said: “Mashaba just doesn’t like me because when I was in the leadership of the DA, and he was a mayor in Joburg, he became EFF’s mayor.

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"He allowed Julius Malema to dictate major decisions and capture City Power and dictate the fleet’s tender and do all kinds of things that were in the interest of Julius Malema and his front companies, because Herman wanted to stay in power, and he needed Julius Malema’s support to do that.”

Zille Also Makes Claims About Shadrack Sibiya Appointment

During the interview, Zille also alleged that Malema instructed Mashaba to appoint Shadrack Sibiya as head of Johannesburg's anti-corruption unit.

Her remarks formed part of her explanation for the breakdown in relations between herself and Mashaba, who served as Johannesburg mayor while the DA governed the city with support from the EFF.

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Zille's allegations have not been established as fact. Malema has rejected them and is now seeking a formal retraction.

Malema Demands Retraction And Public Apology

Through his lawyers, Malema has demanded that Zille withdraw the statements, issue a public apology and publish a formal statement addressing the allegations.

He has also requested a written undertaking that she will not repeat the claims.

The dispute could now move beyond political exchanges, with Malema threatening legal action if Zille does not meet his demands.