Polokwane - EFF leader Julius Malema is being investigated for allegedly pointing a firearm at a security guard during the e.tv eKasi tour gig in Polokwane.
Limpopo police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto confirmed on Monday that a formal complaint was laid against Malema on Sunday.
“It’s alleged by the guard that Malema pointed a firearm (at him) and pushed him against the gate,” said Otto.
The spat allegedly happened at about 2am on Sunday after Malema had attended the gig.
“This is preliminary information, we are busy taking statements,” said Otto.
According to Mmushi Tsebe, the director of Global Strike security services, Malema lost his cool when the guard refused to allow his entourage to leave the venue through an entry point.
“Julius came out of the car and started pushing and slapping the security guard. His bodyguards came out with guns and they intimidated the guard,” said Tsebe.
But Otto said charges of pointing a firearm, common assault and malicious damage to property were opened by the guard only against Malema. No charges were laid against Malema’s bodyguards.
The gate that had stopped Malema’s entourage was allegedly broken down during the scuffle.
Malema said an altercation ensued between the guard and his bodyguards after the guard refused to open the gate for them.
The EFF leader denied he had been involved in the argument.
“I was in the car, I never spoke to him. Why would I do that?” said Malema.
He denied his bodyguards had pointed guns at the guard.
But Tsebe criticised Malema, saying the MP had abused his power and privileges.
“If there is anyone we expect to uphold the law, it’s Julius Malema. He is an MP,” said Tsebe.
Tsebe said the 27-year-old guard was not ready to speak to the media because he was still “traumatised and pained” by the incident.
“He was attacked by the very person he had protected the whole night,” said Tsebe.
Minority rights protection group AfriForum opened assault and crimen injuria charges against Malema last week after an alleged clash at a food outlet in Tzaneen.
Malema was captured on CCTV footage in a confrontation with a Limpopo man, Cassie Moller. In response, Malema slammed AfriForum, saying Moller had bullied a restaurant worker.
In February, a charge of common assault was opened against Malema after a road rage incident in Polokwane.
The case was later dropped.
The Star