The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema has weighed in on the matter where the International Criminal Court is calling for Russian President Valdimer Putin to be arrested. Speaking at a media briefing today, Malema told journalists that the Russian Head of State would be welcomed by the party, adding that the ICC knows who the real criminals are.

Following the EFF-led National Shutdown that took place earlier this week, the party held a briefing to give an update on the progress of their demands as well as to thank those who protested with them.

According to Malema, Monday's demonstration was very successful, He further mentioned that whilst this was the case, there was the abuse of power allegedly by African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula.

Malema claims that Mbalula acted out of his capacity and told buses not to operate or transport civilians to the Shutdown on Monday.

When asked to comment on whether his party would continue to probe the 'Phala Phala' saga, Malema expressed that the matter was far from over, adding that former President, Jacob Zuma set the precedent for being taken to prison. He further expressed that "he [President Cyril Ramaphosa] will be the next to go to prison, whether in office or not".

He further spoke on Ramaphosa's sentiments prior to the Shutdown where he expressed to citizens that business would resume as usual, adding that he was wrong because it was far from business as usual (citing the deployment of the South African National Defence Force) and citizens ignored his message and closed their businesses anyway.

Malema further criticised the new influx of Ministers in the Presidency adding that "it's a sign of [a] dictatorship".

According to Malema, Rampahosa wants to run everything by himself and that everyone should be alarmed that there is no oversight over the President's Office. He further added that the EFF had written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to establish a portfolio committee in the Presidency.

Malema has emphasised that the Shutdown on Monday was just the beginning and that the EFF would continue to fight for Ramaphosa to step down.