Malema defends security guard implicated in scuffle
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema defended the party’s security guards, popularly known as the ‘Defenders of the Revolution’.
This after members of the red berets raised concerns over the scuffle which broke out at the party’s elective conference in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg on Saturday night.
At least four people were injured following scuffles and running battles between security and delegates late on Saturday night.
One of the EFF marshals allegedly used pepper spray on red berets members while they were waiting for dinner.
The general was fired after the incident.
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Malema told delegates on Sunday that things might get out of control should there be no security.
"Let us not be excited and emotional. We are dealing with the issues of the DOR (Defenders of the Revolution). In the rallies, without DOR, I don't even think this leadership will have the capacity to go around the stadium greeting you. Without them, there is no marshal who can do that.
"I know that I was a marshal myself. When Mandela came to Polokwane, I was 13 or 14 and were told to do a human chain. When Mandela passed me, I left the human chain, touched Mandela and went home. There is a difference between a security guard and marshal."
Malema said all affected members are in good health and have received treatment.