EFF leader Julius Malema has filed a sworn affidavit with the Madlanga Commission, denying allegations linking him to senior Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan and rejecting claims that he was involved in efforts to influence intelligence matters, procurement processes and investigations.
Malema’s affidavit was placed before the commission on Tuesday after commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo implicated him in evidence relating to Khan’s alleged relationship with suspected tobacco smuggler Mohammed Sayed.
The commission heard that WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged between Khan and Sayed suggest the pair discussed Malema and allegedly worked together in efforts to remove former Inspector-General of Intelligence Selumanthuro Dintwe.
According to the evidence, Khan allegedly shared sensitive information with Malema, including the identity and address of the curator appointed to oversee VBS Mutual Bank, who had instituted corruption proceedings against the EFF leader.
The messages also allegedly suggest that Malema supported Khan in avoiding disciplinary action over financial misconduct and that his name surfaced in discussions relating to a South African Police Service fleet management tender.
In one of the WhatsApp exchanges, Sayed allegedly referred to a company called Bertobrite, claiming information about its tender bid had come from “Juju”, Malema’s widely known nickname. The company has previously been linked to allegations of bribery involving a City of Tshwane fuel tender.
In his affidavit, however, Malema distanced himself from the WhatsApp conversations, saying he could not verify their authenticity.
“I evidently cannot confirm whether these extracts are a true recording of their engagements or the authenticity of those extracts. Only they can,” Malema said.
He added that his response would be limited to matters within his personal knowledge.
Malema also acknowledged that businessman Adriano Mazzotti donated R600 000 to the EFF to assist with the party’s registration but denied claims that he and his family lived in Mazzotti’s Sandton penthouse free of charge.
He said it was public knowledge that his wife Mantwa previously resided in the same residential complex as Mazzotti under a lease agreement.
Addressing the allegations concerning Khan, Malema said Members of Parliament routinely receive information from members of the public, including law enforcement officials, as part of their oversight responsibilities.
He cited his meeting with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi following the murder of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes as an example of legitimate engagement with police officials.
“I do not have knowledge of the exchanges between Mr Sayed and General Khan. I deny any influence… to the extent they infer any unlawful conduct on my part. To the best of my knowledge, I deny any Bertobrite bribery of the EFF,” Malema said.
The commission has not yet indicated whether Malema will be called to testify in person.