Publication: Cape Argus
Issued:
Date: 2008-06-17
Reporter: Sapa
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Malema: I did
not say that
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ANC Youth League president Julius Malema on Tuesday denied that his
statement about taking up arms and killing for Jacob Zuma was an incitement to
violence.
In an interview with the SABC, Malema said: "And we never said the youth must
take up arms and kill. We said if the need arises.
"That need is not here. That need will not arise anytime
soon.
"But we are issuing a warning, an alert to those who think we are asleep,
that we are watching them and that they should never test
our patience."
He was asked if, in light of the recent xenophobic violence, it could not be
interpreted by the masses as a call to violence.
He replied: "No, no they won't do that, the South Africans are not that
ignorant.
"South Africans are highly conscious politically. They
respect the law *1 and they respect the
institutions of our government.
"The same with the ANC Youth League. They won't do that.
"There are people who just try and distort and
sensationalise the whole issue on the killing."
Malema said his statement was merely a "demonstration of our commitment to the
defence of the revolution.
"But we spoke against any attack, any form of violence...
We are opposed to that."
Use of the word "kill" was meant to demonstrate "our love
and passion" for the ANC president.
Malema told a Youth Day rally in Thaba Nchu in the Free State on Monday: "We are
prepared to die for Zuma. We are prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma."
Explaining his choice of words he told the SABC: "In defence of this revolution
we are prepared to pay the highest price *2.
"Maybe the mistake I made was to call things by their rightful name.
"I should have used an English word that says 'the highest price'. Perhaps it
was not going to be an issue.
"We are saying there is a consistent political attack on our leadership and that
seeks to undermine the black majority... and that is done by people who are
opposed to change in South Africa."
Malema said the league would use "every trick in the book" to ensure that Zuma
got his freedom back.
"That is why we are even approaching the court. We have
confidence in the judiciary system of the country *3."
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With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Argus.
*1 The uttering of such threats may
amount to the commission, or attempted commission, or incitement to commit the
following offences :
1.
High Treason
The accepted definition of Treason includes "unlawfully engaging in conduct
... with the intention of ... (b) coercing the government by violence into any
action or inaction; ..." (See Snyman Criminal Law 4ed at 307; Mayekiso
1988 4 SA 738 (W) at 742 - 750);
2.
Sedition
This is defined as unlawfully and intentionally (a) taking part in a
concourse of people violently or by threats of violence challenging, defying or
resisting the authority of the state of the republic or (b) causing such a
concourse" (See Snyman Criminal Law 4ed at 316);
3.
Attempting to defeat the ends
of justice, in that the statements are apparently aimed at unlawfully
coercing the state to cease the prosecution of Zuma; and
4.
Intimidation in c/s 1(1)
of the Intimidation Act No 72 of 1982, in that the statements are apparently
aimed at inducing the NPA or its prosecutors to fear for their safety, with
intention to compel it or them to desist with the prosecution against Zuma.
*2 Paying the highest price is being
killed, not taking up arms and killing others.
While I abhor the waste of human life, I abhor the thought of wasting my own
life even more.
At the same time, the life of a traitor is worth little and if there are
traitors who wish to pay a price, even a low price, any price, for passionately
loving a common criminal, that is their choice.
*3 Until it issues a guilty verdict and a 15 year custodial
sentence.
By then hopefully all the witnesses would have found safe refuge, but heaven
help the judge, his two assessors, the prosecution team and the investigation
team as well as their support teams.
Do they all get wacked right there in the court room of the High Court in
Pietermaritzburg? Or does that get delayed until the Supreme Court of Appeal
confirms the High Court's judgment and sentence.
Do the 5 judges of the SCA then also get wacked right there in the court room of
the Supreme Court in Bloemfontein? Or does that get delayed until the
Constitutional Court of confirms the SCA's judgment and sentence.
Do the 9 judges of the SCA then also get wacked right there in the court room of
the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein?
Just where does it stop?
All for one man (and two Thints).
Just what has this man offered those willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to do
so - or say they'll do so?
It's bizarre, it's scary, it's South Africa and the end of the reign of the B
Team and near the onset of the reign of the Z Team.
Heaven help us all.
Start by locking them up for treason and sedition - I think there's a 25 year
custodial sentence applicable.
By then I'll be old enough not to care that much - although my grandmother lived
to 103 and uncle once removed to about 104.
Maybe I'm not even 50% done and that's too young to die.