State Capture Inquiry to ‘investigate Malema family’ – as EFF blame Gordhan

Julius Malema may soon be a subject of investigation for the State Capture Inquiry, after it was reported that DCJ Raymond Zondo subpoenaed all of South Africa’s major banks to gain access to Juju’s records. However, the reaction has been fierce from the EFF, who have blamed this latest development on Pravin Gordhan.

According to the Sunday Times, this marks a new shift in emphasis from the panel, who are looking to move away from the alleged corruption linked directly to Jacob Zuma. Floyd Shivambu, the EFF Deputy Leader, has also been targeted by the Zondo Commission. His connection to the VBS Bank fiasco has captured the attention of the Inquiry’s lawyers.

Which Malema family members and friends will the State Capture Inquiry investigate?

The list of people close to Julius Malema who are set to have their financial records probed goes further than his right-hand man, however. The following individuals are also being sussed-out:

• Mantoa Malema: Juju’s wife will, apparently, have her bank account investigated.
• Sarah Malema: The late grandmother of the EFF leader falls under the panel’s new remit.
• Ian Levitt: Julius Malema’s lawyer, who has been a busy man recently, is also on the ‘hit-list’.
• The Ratanang Family Trust: The charitable organisation set up by the Malema’s has been under fire before.
• Brian Shivambu: Floyd’s brother has long been suspected of benefiting illegally from the collapse of VBS bank.

EFF battles: Mbuyiseni Ndlozi goes into bat for Juju

The EFF’s former spokesperson and current commissar, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, has been the first high-profile party member to react to these reports. The senior Red Beret claims that the sudden interest from the State Capture Inquiry is a result of the EFF criticising Pravin Gordhan, while also detracting from their fight against ‘white supremacy’:

“We long expected it after CIC called out the Commission for treating Pravin Gordhan differently to Jacob Zuma; but you’ll see that there’s no a case of ‘state capture’ to answer! The idea is to de-focused us from confronting white supremacy and Pravin, keep us busy with frivolous legal squabbles.”Mbuyiseni Ndlozi