Malema denies links as Madlanga Commission mulls whether to summon him

WhatsApp exchanges at centre of hearings

The commission heard testimony on Tuesday that relied in part on WhatsApp messages exchanged between Feroz Khan and alleged tobacco smuggler Mohammed “Mo” Sayed. Evidence leaders said the messages allegedly point to interactions involving Malema and form part of the commission’s ongoing inquiry.

According to the evidence presented, the messages suggest a connection between Malema, Khan and Sayed in efforts described in testimony as seeking to remove former Inspector-General of Intelligence Isaac Dintwe. The exchanges were also said to include references to procurement matters, including a SAPS fleet management tender.

Allegations of shared information and support

Commission testimony included allegations that Khan shared sensitive information with Malema, including the identity and residential address of the VBS Mutual Bank curator who initiated corruption charges against Malema. Further allegations claim Malema supported Khan in avoiding disciplinary action linked to financial misconduct.

In one of the conversations, Sayed allegedly claimed information relating to a Bertobrite tender bid came from “Juju,” a nickname widely associated with Malema. Bertobrite has previously been linked in reporting to allegations of bribery involving a City of Tshwane fuel tender.

Malema’s affidavit and responses

Malema has responded to the claims in an affidavit submitted to the commission. He confirmed a R600,000 donation from Adriano Mazzotti to assist with the EFF’s registration but rejected any suggestion the donation was improper. He addressed questions about his family’s living arrangements, saying it was public knowledge that his wife had lived in the same residential complex as Mazzotti under a lease agreement, and he dismissed reports that he and his family had stayed at Mazzotti’s Sandton penthouse free of charge.

On the WhatsApp material, Malema said he could not verify whether the extracts were authentic. He wrote:

“I evidently cannot confirm whether these extracts are a true recording of their engagements or the authenticity of those extracts. I simply record this point to note that my response will be curtailed to claims that are in my personal knowledge and relating to me.”

The affidavit also noted that, as a Member of Parliament, Malema said he usually receives information from the public, including from law enforcement officials.

Commission response and next steps

The Madlanga Commission has not indicated whether Malema will be summoned to give evidence. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels declined to comment when asked whether Malema would be called, saying:

“Let’s see. This matter is in the hands of the evidence leaders, and obviously, the commission is seeking to be fair to all those who have been implicated as we have seen consistently.”

The commission is expected to resume its testimony on Wednesday. Separately, the commission heard that Feroz Khan is recovering in hospital after being seriously wounded in what is believed to have been an attempted hit last month.