The Economic Freedom Fighters has responded to the prosecution of its president, Julius Malema.
The National Prosecuting Authority will pursue a crimen injuria charge against Malema.
The charge relates to comments he made about the CweCwe case.
EFF defends Malema
The EFF issued a statement on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
The party said the prosecution would not intimidate Malema or the EFF.
It also criticised AfriForum over the case.
According to the EFF, Malema spoke as a political leader after the case caused public concern.
The party said he spoke out in response to the reported rape of a seven-year-old girl.
However, the EFF stressed that Malema’s comments did not amount to a legal finding.
EFF questions DNA request
The party also raised questions about the police investigation.
According to the EFF, police asked three people to provide DNA samples.
Police wanted the samples as part of an elimination process.
The EFF said the school principal declined to provide a sample voluntarily.
As a result, the party questioned the decision.
The EFF said authorities must properly investigate allegations involving children.
It also said the rights of the child must remain a priority during the investigation.
Party stands by its position
The EFF said it has a duty to speak out about violence against children.
It also said it would continue to defend children who face abuse and violence.
Meanwhile, Malema will face the legal process over the crimen injuria charge.
The EFF said the prosecution would not stop it from speaking about the case.
The party maintains that Malema’s comments came from a political response to a case involving a child.
