The Activists and Citizens Forum has called on Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to respond to allegations linking him to suspended Crime Intelligence Deputy Head Major General Feroz Khan and businessman Mohammed "Mo" Sayed.
Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem said Malema should use the commission as an opportunity to present his version of events and protect his reputation following testimony heard before the inquiry.
"A person whose name has come up many times at the Madlanga Commission—witness after witness has alleged that he is involved in a drug smuggling syndicate. We are saying Mr Julius Malema must come clean and go to the Madlanga Commission and put his side of the story. It's very crucial for Mr Malema's interests and reputation. This is very damaging WhatsApp communication that was presented at the Madlanga Commission," Bloem said.
The commission has heard allegations that Khan allegedly used Malema to further his own agenda in Parliament.
Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson presented WhatsApp messages that allegedly contained parliamentary questions intended to be posed by Malema to former Inspector-General of Intelligence Isaac Dintwe.
According to Chaskalson, the questions were allegedly drafted by Khan, passed to businessman Mohammed "Mo" Sayed, and then forwarded to Malema.
Chaskalson told the commission the questions were allegedly designed to prompt Dintwe into making false statements, which Khan purportedly intended to use as grounds to remove him from office.
Referring to the WhatsApp exchanges, Chaskalson said Sayed allegedly informed Khan that the parliamentary questions had already been sent.
"He then responds to General Khan's message saying, 'You know, this will get him to lie and then we can get him removed.' And he says: 'Absolutely, he's going to deny it and then he's effed, bye bye p***'," Chaskalson told the commission while reading from the messages.
The allegations presented before the commission have not been tested in court, and no findings have been made against Malema in relation to the claims.
Following a tea adjournment, the commission was expected to continue hearing evidence relating to Khan during a closed session.