Julius Malema, president of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), is on record as having addressed a rally of supporters with the words: "We are prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma.

" What circumstance could possibly justify taking up arms and killing; does he understand the words that he used; does he know the meaning of incitement; and does he also believe that "blood in the court room" could and should be the outcome of Jacob Zuma's appearance in court to answer charges including corruption?

Has he forgotten that not long ago his idol himself pleaded for this opportunity?

Unless he withdraws these inflammatory words he must surely be guilty of treason, sedition, defeating the ends of justice and intimidation. So far his response has been not just arrogant but nonsensical and has done nothing to give credence to his contention that his meaning has been distorted.

"Take up arms and kill" can mean nothing else.

His ludicrous response to accusations of incitement is totally unacceptable.

His meaning was clear and was reinforced when he added a "warning, an alert to those who think we are asleep, that we are watching them and that they should never test our patience".

That is threatening language and incitement.

Where else would such an address by its leader to a wing of the country's governing party not be considered sensational, even if the speaker's words were distorted?

That is clearly not the case in this instance.

Unless Malema apologises to the country and retracts his words unequivocally, he is guilty and must be charged *1.

With acknowledgements to Helen Young and The Witness.