Phala Phala judgment delay an embarrassment - Malema
EFF leader Julius Malema says the delay in the delivery of the Phala Phala judgment by the Constitutional Court is an “embarrassment’ to the country”.
Malema led thousands of EFF members and supporters in a march to the apex court in Braamfontein on Friday.
The party warned Chief Justice Mandisa Maya to expect pickets outside the Constitutional Court every month until judgment is handed down.
The party, along with the African Transformation Movement, approached the court in November 2024, following a parliamentary inquiry that found prima facie evidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa over large amount of foreign currency discovered at his Limpopo farm in 2020.
They want the apex court to compel the National Assembly to adopt the findings of the inquiry which could pave way for the potential impeachment of the President.
Addressing the crowd, Malema said the delay is leading to the public losing faith in the justice system.
“What is worrisome is that, they have already made judgements on cases that came after us [our case], but Phala Phala matter is a difficult case.
“We need to tell the Chief Justice that, for as long as Phala Phala [ruling] is not released, every month we will come here and picket in demand of release of judgment.”
Malema also referenced the arrest of Pretoria High Court Judge Portia Phahlane, who appeared in court this week for corruption and bribery allegations.
Jacaranda FM Newswatch spoke to some of the EFF supporters who echoed Malema’s sentiments of justice delayed is justice denied.
“Its been a year already, and we have gotten a verdict on what’s going on, so today is a push in the right direction and also puts pressure on the Constitution Court to give us something,” said Katlego Legolo from Ekurhuleni.
Another supporter, Refilwe Mashao from Hammanskraal, said the delay shows that the judiciary is protecting the president.
“People must be held accountable, and the judiciary must release the judgment because it is long and overdue. The law must not be selective, whether it is a president or a judge.”
An official from the Constitutional Court received the memorandum and promised to deliver it to the Office of the Chief Justice.
