Johannesburg - Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has alleged that the tax case against him is a politically motivated conspiracy run by a group of Indians 'in bed' with Afrikaners, the Sunday Times reported.
“I'm subjected to political persecution by political leadership led by (Finance Minister) Pravin (Gordhan), with his group of Indians,” Malema was quoted as telling the newspaper.
“It's a small clique of Indians who are in bed with a group of Afrikaners in (the SA Revenue Service (Sars)), and Afrikaners in the law fraternity.”
He reportedly claimed the “small group of Indians” had a “political programme” against him.
“The Afrikaner are (sic) pursuing a racial hatred against Julius and what he advocates for,” he was quoted as saying.
On Tuesday, Malema's Polokwane house was auctioned.
Sars attached the property to recoup Malema's R16m tax debt.
In May, Malema's incomplete mansion in Sandton, Johannesburg, was sold at auction for R5.9m.
His farm in Limpopo fetched R2.5m at auction in June.
Several of his household goods were also auctioned earlier in the year.
Malema also faces corruption charges in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court.
He is accused of making nearly R4 million from corrupt activities, and is out on bail of R10,000. - Sapa