ANC leader guilty of hate speech

Pretoria, 15 March-(ANA)-A South African judge has convicted ANC official Julius Malema of hate speech for his comments about the woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape.

The Equality Court judge ordered Mr Malema to make an unconditional apology and pay 50,000 rand ($6,700; £4,500) to a centre for abused women.

The ANC Youth League leader had said the woman must have had a "nice time". Mr Zuma was acquitted of rape.

Mr Malema, a close ally of Mr Zuma, is a highly controversial figure.

He is known for using colourful insults against anyone who crosses him.

JULIUS MALEMA

  Born 1982, joined ANC aged 9

  Had military training in 1990s

  2008: Elected ANC Youth League leader

  Vowed to "kill" for Jacob Zuma

  Touted as possible future president

He recently said he was the victim of a smear campaign after he was accused of living a lavish lifestyle while posing as a champion of the poor. (ANA)

FA/ANA/15 March 2010--------