DOCUMENTS

EFF supports recusal application for magistrate in Malema case

Fighters say Twanett Olivier committed an unspeakable and gross violation of the rights of its CIC

EFF SUPPORTS THE RECUSAL OF MAGISTRATE TWANETT OLIVIER IN THE MATTER RELATING TO THE DISCHARGING OF A FIREARM IN SISA DUKASHE STADIUM

Wednesday, 01 February 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supports the recusal application made by the legal team of the Commander In Chief Julius Malema in the East London Magistrates Court, against Magistrate Twanett Olivier, in the matter relating to the alleged use of a firearm at Sisa Dukashe Stadium during the EFF 5th Anniversary.

As a presiding officer, Olivier committed an unspeakable and gross violation of the rights of the CIC Julius Malema, and completely overstepped her role and exposed her bias, by leading evidence of a witness to the detriment of the defence. Olivier insisted on a state witness making certain observations and conclusions on video evidence, when the witness had already made testimony.

The insistence of Olivier that the witness makes observations that were contrary to his initial testimony, reveals a deeper and sinister interest on her part on the outcomes of the matter. The Magistrate entered the arena and abandoned her role as a neutral adjudicator, and began to prosecute the CIC Julius Malema.

Olivier led evidence in court and practically coerced a witness into making specific observations, and then expects her decision to be credible when the very same evidence she led sits before her to make a judgement.

The EFF will support CIC Julius Malema against the blatant persecution by the racist Afriforum, in collaboration with a corrupted Magistrate who could not control her urge to prosecute and lead evidence.

Statement issued by the EFF, 1 February 2023