“EFF leader Julius Malema has turned to the courts seeking a public apology from Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene for claiming Malema was at the 'command or service' of a controversial taxi boss.”

“Kunene claimed during a February 19 interview that Malema would 'drive to the farm of' Jotham Zanemvula Msibi.”

“Malema took issue with Kunene repeatedly referring to him as a 'boy' and saying he 'wants to be a white person'.”

“Malema states in an affidavit that any listener is likely to conclude that he is 'dishonest' and engaging in criminal conduct.”

“Malema has approached the high court in Johannesburg on an urgent basis, arguing that the statements are false and defamatory and seeking a retraction and apology.”

“Kunene argues in court papers that the podcast has already been made public and a retraction would be difficult.”

“Kunene alleges in his responding papers that Malema delivered about R80,000 in cash to Msibi.”

“Msibi, widely known as 'Mswazi', was a prominent, influential figure in the taxi industry and a former leader in the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco). He died in January 2024.”

“Publicly, Msibi was regarded as a central figure in the development and consolidation of the taxi industry, including as a founding figure in Santaco and a long-standing operator in taxi associations and business structures.”

“Testimony before the Madlanga commission has linked Msibi to a network referred to as 'The Firm', under which the 'big five' cartel is alleged to operate.”

“The affidavit alleges that Malema interacted with Msibi, who was connected to networks referenced in Madlanga commission-related testimony.”

“The cartel has been described in testimony as a Gauteng-based organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in activities including extortion, contract killings, kidnappings, tender manipulation and influence over parts of the criminal justice system.”

“Msibi’s connection to Malema has previously entered the public domain. Malema attended and spoke at Msibi’s funeral in January 2024, at which he referred to their interactions and engagements.”

“Kunene argues that the level of detail contained in the affidavits supports his position that the matter should be tested through oral evidence rather than decided on affidavits alone.”

“Malema disputes that he conducted late-night visits to meet Msibi or delivered cash.”

“An anonymous witness alleges in an affidavit that Msibi was connected to a broader criminal network associated with the 'big five' cartel and that elements of this network have been referenced in testimony linked to the Madlanga commission of inquiry.”