- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: Violence erupts ahead of ANC's Malema hearing
- Date: 31st August 2011
- Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (AUGUST 30, 2011) (REUTERS) VIEW OF POLICE WITH WATER CANNON IN STREET POLICE WITH RIOT GEAR, GUARDING STREET SUPPORTERS OF ANC YOUTH LEAGUE PRESIDENT, JULIUS MALEMA, DANCING IN STREET MALEMA SUPPORTERS STANDING ON WALL, CHANTING / MALEMA SUPPORTERS THEN RUNNING AWAY AS WATER CANNON APPROACHES MALEMA SUPPORTERS THROWING STONES MAN THROWING STONE WATER CANNON APPROACHING CROWDS POLICE WRESTLING WITH SUPPORTER WATER CANNON SPRAYING MALEMA SUPPORTERS TO KEEP THEM AT BAY BARBED WIRE WITH MALEMA SUPPORTERS DANCING BEHIND THE WIRE DANCING MALEMA SUPPORTERS HOLDING ANC FLAGS AND PLACARDS
- Embargoed: 15th September 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: South Africa, South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Crime,Conflict,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA8JVA5BPUWSRRBLH5KQBG67KG6
- Story Text: Supporters of South Africa's firebrand ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema attacked police on Tuesday (August 30) ahead of a party disciplinary hearing which could derail his political career.
Violence broke out in central Johannesburg outside the African National Congress headquarters where scores of Malema supporters gathered for the hearing.
Police used water cannons and stun grenades in a bid to disperse the protesters and erected razor wire barricades.
Malema supporters hurled rocks, beer bottles and insults at police, a Reuters Television journalist said.
Outspoken Malema, aged 30, and the top five members of the League will appear individually before the hearing chaired by veteran African National Congress member Derek Hanekom which will run throughout the week.
The hearing is as risky for President Jacob Zuma who hopes to be re-elected ANC leader at a party meeting next year as it is for Malema who party insiders say has presidential aspirations.
Zuma rose to power with Malema's backing but his rivals have since courted Malema to seize control of the ANC.
If Malema is suspended, Zuma can likely thwart his rivals but if the youth leader is exonerated, the president could be fighting for his political survival.
The charges also include bringing the ANC into disrepute by calling for a regime change in neighbouring Botswana.
It is the second time in a year that Malema will appear before the disciplinary commission and if found guilty he could be expelled from the ruling party.
Analysts said suspension of Malema's executive could also lead to a power vacuum and an opportunity for the League's top brass to be replaced with pro-Zuma sympathisers - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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