Gayton McKenzie Calls EFF Leader Julius Malema a Fellow Bank Robber, Minister Sparks Division Online
- Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie commented on how he and Julius Malema had a lot in common
- The Minister of Sport, Art and Culture addressed his criminal past in relation to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader
- Some South Africans were amused, but others were annoyed by McKenzie's comments about Malema
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has fired a cheap shot at Julius Malema, saying that they were both bank robbers.
The Minister of Sport, Art and Culture made the comments during a Facebook Live on Monday, 28 July 2025, comparing his criminal past to Malema’s current situation. McKenzie was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment for armed robberies in 1996.
He was released in 2003 from Grootvlei Prison after exposing a criminal syndicate. Mckenzie also questioned how the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader could afford his lifestyle when he couldn’t prove how he got his money.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
What did McKenzie say?
During his live, the minister spoke about his past as an armed bank robber, saying that he and Malema had that in common.
“Do you know what Malema and I have in common? We are both bank robbers. He was robbing VBS. We are ex-criminal colleagues. I used to rob banks; he is robbing banks too,” he stated.
His comments about VBS are in relation to the allegations that Malema and Floyd Shivambu defrauded the now-defunct bank. He then also asked how Malema could stay in an expensive suburb on his salary, saying that he lived a billionaire lifestyle but couldn’t prove how he got the money to do so.
How did South Africans react to McKenzie’s statement?
Social media users were amused by McKenzie’s comments, saying that there is always drama in the country. Some agreed with the minister, while others criticised him for his comments.
Nthabiseng Joy Moloi said:
“In this country, we have lots of popcorn moments. Let's watch this movie🤣.”
Godfrey Nkosi stated:
“It takes a thief to catch a thief.”
Tumelo Bam added:
“Since Mkhwanazi spoke, people are fighting each other🤣.”
Mogomotsi Molefe said:
“Let me grab a chair and watch this episode.”
Michelle Carstens added:
“Let’s watch the show, as they say. What goes up must come down.”
Lawrence Wardle noted:
“Gayton is correct. Both he and Malema are criminals. Just that Malema did not pull time. No consequences.”
Buhle Sade Ntando said:
“Gayton must chill. Nothing was found about VBS that involves Malema.”
@TiisetsoMalepa asked:
“Hahaha😃This is not true. Gayton is an ex-convict. He was a dangerous criminal. An armed robber. Julius was never charged for VBS; he never did time. So, where is the commonality with Julius?”
@lesetsa_lamola said:
“So now kids learn from Gayton to rob the banks, go to jail for a few years, and come back and become a millionaire politician.”
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
