Police should examine whether Terre'Blanche murderers have ANCYL ties

AfriForum Youth today asked the police task team investigating the murder of Eugene Terre'Blanche to determine whether the suspects have any ties with the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). AfriForum Youth's National Chairman, Ernst Roets, has also asked Julius Malema to reconsider his indifferent reaction to circumstances in the country and his obstinate attitude re the "Shoot the Boer/Farmer" song urgently.

"All eyes are on Julius Malema now. He persist in creating a climate in which murder and violence based on racial and ethnic grounds are being encouraged," Roets said.

AfriForum Youth has also expressed its discontent with the attitude that Malema is being imperiled by organisations that call for action against him. "AfriForum has never threatened Malema, although he has threatened us. If it is true that his life is in danger, it is the result of his own actions. The more racial conflict he encourages, the more enemies he makes and the more he puts himself in danger. If the ANCYL is serious about protecting Malema, they should prohibit him from making any further racist statements. The ANCYL is worried about one person, while the rest of the country are worried about all South Africans, including the thousands who are murdered on farms."

Roets added that mutual recognition and respect among all racial groups must be encouraged and that AfriForum Youth will not deviate from the stance that the song "Dubula i'Bhulu" ("Shoot the Boers/Farmers") is hate speech. "Thousands have been murdered. We have been living in the new South Africa for almost twenty years. Everybody's legacy must be preserved, but it cannot be done in a way that encourages racial violence - especially in a country such as South Africa, where polarisation and violence are serious problems."

Roets also mentioned that AfriForum Youth is currently obtaining a senior legal opinion to determine whether Malema's statements in Zimbabwe constituted contempt of court.

Statement issued by Ernst Roets, National Chairman: AfriForum Youth, April 5 2010

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