Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has confirmed his friendship with controversial businessman Zesimdumise ‘Ze’ Nxumalo, but squashed claims that he took part in criminal activities.
Also see: Madlanga Commission hears how Musa Khawula’s arrest was planned
This comes after his name was mentioned at the Madlanga Commission by suspended Gauteng police sergeant Fannie Nkosi, leading to Julius taking a stand at the press conference held at the EFF headquarters in Johannesburg.
The Commission recently heard allegations that Ze had unusual access to police documents and pressured authorities to arrest controversial blogger Musa Khawula. This is after Fannie shared in his testimony that Ze was the one who initiated plans and ways to arrest Musa. It was also revealed that Julius had close links to Ze, raising questions about their relationship.
Fannie, who is allegedly linked to criminal activities, told the Commission that he received internal tender documents and engaged in discussions related to a controversial Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) security tender. The discussions allegedly involved former MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi.
Evidence presented before the Commission, including WhatsApp exchanges, allegedly links Kholofelo to the sharing of tender-related material.
Also see: Musa Khawula bold claim leads to legal clash with business mogul, Ze Nxumalo
During the press conference, Julius said: “Ze is my friend. Anyone from the northern suburbs would know him. He is a well-known socialite. I know Ze. Ze Nxumalo is a child of Professor Nxumalo, who was the founder of the IFP. He was the first general secretary of the IFP.”
“They never said we got a list from the EFF. They said someone brought the list and claimed it was from the Red Berets. They never said the Red Berets sent that list. Someone said it was an EFF list and asked others to verify it. No one came to me to confirm whether it was from the EFF,” he said.
MDN News took to their X (formerly Twitter) page to share a snippet of the press conference.
Julius Malema has openly addressed his long-standing friendship with Johannesburg socialite Zesimdumise ‘Ze Nxumalo.
‘Ze Nxumalo is my friend,’ Malema said, ‘and anyone who stays in the North knows Ze Nxumalo.
He was not a visitor at Rupert’s house, he was a child of that… pic.twitter.com/0Uwy9WLRW8
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 9, 2026
Julius Malema Confirms Friendship With Ze Nxumalo Amid Cartel Claims
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has publicly confirmed his long-standing friendship with Johannesburg businessman and socialite Zesimdumise Zenzile Nxumalo.
Speaking during a media… pic.twitter.com/1bm9t60bWg
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 9, 2026
Also see: SABC’s Natasha Phiri suspended after revelations at Madlanga Commission
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