Johannesburg - The Cope Youth Movement is “appalled” by the manner in which the police stopped expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema from addressing mineworkers in the North West.
“These policemen and women are behaving in a barbaric fashion identical to the police system of the apartheid regime, because their masters' integrity (has) deteriorated,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Does it mean that when you are expelled from the ruling party you are also deprived of your freedom of expression and association?”
The Congress of the People Youth Movement said the ANC want to apply “political tactics” instead of upholding the bill of rights.
They linked the actions to the situation in Zimbabwe where soldiers are used to “garner support” for President Robert Mugabe.
“Unfortunately the police force of South Africa have been militarised and politicised,” it said.
“As one of youth formations in South Africa, we wouldn’t be surprised if Malema was already charged with an offence of incitement of violence, but thus far Malema is as free as (police) minister (Nathi) Mthethwa to address any section of any community.”
The Movement said the ANC would forever mistreat people who were not among their ranks.
“The ANC has the myopic understanding that the liberation was for its leaders, membership and supporters other than the people of South Africa in their diversity, including Malema.”
It said the ANC used Malema to insult Cope before he was expelled.
Mineworkers at Lonmin's Marikana mine downed tools more than a month ago, demanding a wage increase of R12 500. - Sapa