Afriforum lays criminal charges against EFF leaders over H&M protests
The Afrikaans lobby group Afriforum has laid criminal charges against three EFF leaders whom it has accused of inciting violence.
"Afriforum has filed criminal charges against Julius Malema, Floyd Shivambu, and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi," says Deputy CEO Ernst Roets.
The group claims the three made a variety of statements during which they encouraged the use of violence, vandalism and damage to property.
ALSO READ: H&M store in Mall of Africa closes its doors following EFF picket
Members of the EFF looted H&M branches in various shopping centres over the past weekend.
They were protesting a racist advertisement by the Swedish retailer, which has already apologised for and retracted the advert.
The individuals praised their members on social media during the incidents.
ALSO READ: EFF targets H&M over racist advert
In the last reported incident, EFF members gathered outside H&M at Mall of Africa.
The shopping centre however confirmed no incidents were reported.
"According to the law if you encourage people or incite people to commit crime, you are also committing the crime," says Roets.
Eff protest @ H&M Sandton city pic.twitter.com/gEadFrTw7n
— Sibongiseni (@Sbobo_Mav) January 13, 2018
@EFFSouthAfrica Western Has taken Racism protest right at the doorstep of H&M at V&A Waterfront. pic.twitter.com/IhxZ6teRTL
— #WesternCapeHomeOfEFF (@MTshwaku) January 13, 2018
We will never apologize for “fighting against any usage of the color of our skin as a means” of our oppression, exclusion, humiliation and denigration. #EFFProtest against H&M is not only the implementation of a historic duty; it is absolutely justified!
— IG: @MbuyiseniNdlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) January 13, 2018