By: Sonia Hendricks

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Leader Julius Malema was removed by members of parliament’s security services last night after refusing to retract a statement in which he called
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa a murderer.

House Chair, Mmatlala Boroto, ruled that Malema’s remarks were derogatory and called on him to withdraw.

Instead of withdrawing, Malema repeated: “Cyril is a murderer and Cyril participated in the conspiracy to murder miners.”

When asked to leave the House, Malema refused.

“I’m not leaving. Those bouncers you have hired to kill us…call them. I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

After calling in the parliamentary protection services, several uniformed men rushed into Parliament to remove Malema.

There were cheers in the House as Malema was removed.

This drew a response from the benches of the EFF, where an MP could be heard saying: “What did you achieve as you are celebrating? Cowards!”

Some South Africans took to social media to express how they felt about Malema being removed from parliament.

@SipheMazomba tweeted, “Deputy President #CyrilRamaphosa wouldn’t be bothered by rant of a rat like #JuliusMalema who’s looking for attention..what a stooge!”

@KasieNova tweeted, “SA need morefierce and fearless leaders like Julius Malema @RediTlhabi.”

Malema has subsequently been suspended for five days in terms of rule 54 and may not enter Parliament during this time.

Mary Edwards, who is currently studying political science at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal said, “Julius Malema clearly acted inappropriate and created a scene at parliament, his

comments were rude and wrongfully accusing someone is just not on at this day and age as it affects about how people feel about these politicians.”