AfriForum files contempt of court application against EFF and Julius Malema

AfriForum, a contentious advocacy group, has initiated a contempt of court application against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its chairman, Julius Malema, over alleged transgressions of a 2017 court injunction. This injunction bans the organization and its leader from advocating for the unlawful seizure of land. On Sunday, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel announced the application following the latest EFF and Malema calls for individuals to occupy land without the requisite authorization from the owner or lawful occupant.

Kriel alleged the most recent event transpired on July 23, when Malema proclaimed at a public lecture hosted by the EFF at the University of Limpopo in Polokwane that young individuals would eventually enter and occupy a farm in Stellenbosch. In its latest legal application, the civil rights organization seeks a verdict that Malema and the EFF be found guilty of contempt of court, with the subsequent imposition of a fine of R500,000 on the EFF and an 18-month imprisonment sentence for Malema, or any other fitting penalty.

The 2017 order strictly forbids Malema and the EFF from inciting individuals to trespass or enter land without the consent of the owner or lawful occupant. AfriForum contends that the EFF and Malema are cognizant of the court order and have been endeavoring unsuccessfully for years to have it annulled. The attorney-general highlighted that the EFF and Malema are fully aware of the stipulations of the court order and have persistently attempted, to no avail, to have it overturned.

They are now deliberately disregarding the order, and AfriForum intends to ensure that they face the repercussions of their actions. This case is fundamentally about the rule of law. AfriForum undertook this legal proceeding through the courts because they firmly believe that the rule of law applies to everyone. It is unjust that ordinary citizens are subject to court orders while certain political parties and political leaders consider themselves exempt from such obligations and can openly disregard court orders without facing any consequences.