Julius Malema Denies Conspiracy to Oust Intelligence Chief

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has filed an affidavit with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry denying he conspired to orchestrate the 2021 removal of former Inspector-General of Intelligence Setlhomamaru Dintwe. The allegations, presented by evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson and investigator Tshepo Nyatlo, suggest Malema collaborated with Major-General Feroz Khan and businessman Mohamed Sayed to trick Dintwe into lying during a parliamentary response to facilitate his ousting.

Evidence suggests the plot involved drafting targeted parliamentary questions regarding a former drug dealer, Timmy Marimuthu, which were allegedly asked by EFF MP Mbuyiseli Ndlozi. In his affidavit, Malema denied the conspiracy and claimed no knowledge of the communications between Sayed and Khan. He further denied that the EFF received bribes from Bertobrite and distanced himself from allegations involving the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.

Major-General Feroz Khan, the crime intelligence operations support boss, faces additional accusations of infiltrating the National Treasury, manipulating tenders, and failing to disclose business interests. Khan has not responded publicly to these charges after being shot two days before his scheduled testimony. The commission is also investigating if Khan provided Malema with confidential personal details regarding VBS curator Anoosh Rooplal. The commission intends to finalize its report for President Cyril Ramaphosa by the end of July 2026.