https://www.facebook.com/100064392651499/posts/1130881249068286/ *President Ramaphosa Breaks Silence on UK Arrest Warrant for Julius Malema: Unbelievable* Jun 5, 2025 In a major development shaking South Africa’s political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly addressed — for the first time — the international arrest warrant issued for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema by the United Kingdom. Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during a joint press conference with visiting EU dignitaries, Ramaphosa confirmed that his office had been formally briefed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding the UK’s legal request. We are aware of the arrest warrant issued by British authorities for Mr. Julius Malema,” the President said. “As a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, South Africa will follow the appropriate legal and diplomatic channels. No individual is above the law — not in South Africa, and certainly not abroad. This marks Ramaphosa’s first public comment since reports emerged last week that a UK Magistrates’ Court issued a sealed warrant for Malema in connection with an alleged money laundering and organized financial crime investigation involving a British-based shell company, Rutherford Consulting Ltd, which is said to have ties to multiple African political figures. British prosecutors allege that Malema either knowingly or indirectly benefitted from over £4.2 million (approximately R100 million) that flowed through off-shore corporate accounts tied to Rutherford Consulting — a firm registered in London but allegedly operating as a “politically shielded laundering front” for high-profile African elites. The transactions, reportedly flagged by UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Interpol, date back to 2020–2023 and involve illicit movement of funds under the guise of “consulting fees” for “Pan-African land reform initiatives.” British authorities contend that no such programs existed and that the payments were funneled into encrypted wallets, luxury real estate, and European legal retainers. Malema has denied all allegations, dismissing the warrant as “colonial vengeance disguised as due process. President Ramaphosa’s statement is being viewed as a delicate diplomatic maneuver — balancing growing domestic unrest from EFF supporters with rising pressure from international partners. We will not pre-empt legal processes or interfere with the sovereignty of other jurisdictions,” Ramaphosa added. “South Africa has treaties and cooperative frameworks with the United Kingdom. If a formal extradition request is received, it will be reviewed through the proper judicial channels. Mr. Malema, like any citizen, is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. But we must not allow political identity to insulate anyone from accountability. Political insiders say Ramaphosa had been under mounting pressure to speak, particularly after the UK Foreign Office summoned the South African High Commissioner to London earlier this week for urgent consultations. The diplomatic note reportedly emphasized Britain’s expectation for “transparent cooperation” in accordance with the 2003 Extradition Treaty between the two nations.