Marikana -
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema slaughtered an ox in Marikana on Saturday ahead of the launch of his political party.
Malema, dressed in a red party T-shirt, red beret, red trousers, red shoes and dark sunglasses walked to the ox inside a trailer.
“Where is a rope? You must tie it up here,” he said pointing to a corner of the trailer.
“I am going to kill the first one, the rest is for you.”
The ox was tied and Malema stabbed it in the neck with a knife.
“I told you I am going to kill it,” he said pushing the knife deep into the animal.
The ox fell down and died.
Men pulled the ox out of the trailer and cut its throat.
“That's that,” he said as blood streamed from the ox.
He dropped the knife washed his hands and left.
Men skinned the animal while waiting for seven others to be slaughtered.
EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said there was nothing special about the number eight.
“This is the number of cattle we have, (there is) nothing special about it.”
He explained that in African culture cattle were supposed killed in such a way that they would not suffer.
“The animal must not suffer. That is an important aspect of the tradition.”
He said the meat would be eaten on Sunday.
“A new baby is born, we are going to feast tomorrow (Sunday).” - Sapa