SARS must not get involved in politics, says Malema

The SA Revenue Service (SARS) must not allow itself to be used to settle political fights, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema said.

"They must never be part of any political fraction or political party," he said in Soweto at the party's national assembly.

"We are warning them politely and we hope they are listening because if they are not listening and continue to use that institution, we will be forced to call on our masses and respond radically."

Malema said his colleague Kenny Kunene and another EFF members had received notices from SARS stating they were under investigation.

SARS had an obligation to rise above political divisions to ensure the public could trust it with ther finances, he said.

Malema said if SARS continued to allow itself to be used, the EFF would fight back.

On Tuesday, Malema's Polokwane house was auctioned.

SARS attached the property to recoup a R16 million tax debt owed by the controversial leader.

In May, Malema's incomplete mansion in Sandton, Johannesburg, was sold on auction for R5.9 million. His farm in Limpopo fetched R2.5 million at an auction in June. Several of his household goods were also auctioned off earlier in the year.

Malema also faces corruption charges in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court. He is accused of making nearly R4 million from corrupt activities, and is out on bail of R10 000.

On Saturday, the former ANC Youth League leader also attacked Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and President Jacob Zuma.

He said accused Gordhan of fractional politicking, and said Zuma was a "disaster" who was "driven by money".

"We should have known that there would be a price to pay for not paying attention to detail. That mistake should never be repeated," said Malema.

"Our country is being led by people from outside. We didn't elect them but they decide on ministers and board members."

Malema went on to say that none of the expenses incurred by the EFF's two-day assembly was paid in full.

"...We have no money, no funding. We have a political agenda unlike Agang who have the money but not the agenda," he said.

On Saturday night after hours of talks, the EFF adopted an agenda.