The African National Congress' (ANC's) national disciplinary committee (NDC) started deliberating on Monday on the outcome of a hearing against youth leader Julius Malema and his co-accused.

Closing arguments ended late on Sunday night, said ANC spokesperson Keith Khoza.

"The matter is now completely in the hands of the NDC. They are going to need a few days to deliberate and come up with a decision," he said.

"If they find him [Malema] guilty, the NDC will have to explain and justify that decision."

The verdict would be announced later this week or early next week, said Khoza.

Closing arguments in the hearing had been rescheduled twice before.

Malema's first appearance before the committee took place at Luthuli House in September, but the venue was changed after violence erupted on the streets surrounding the ANC's headquarters.

ANC Youth League members and supporters threw rocks, bottles and bricks at journalists and police, and burnt ANC flags and T-shirts bearing the image of President Jacob Zuma.

The ANC has charged Malema with bringing the party into disrepute and with sowing division within party ranks.

Earlier this year, he said the ANCYL would send a team to Botswana to consolidate local opposition parties and help bring about regime change.

Malema subsequently apologised for the remarks.

Also charged are ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer general Pule Mabe, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa and deputy secretary general Kenetswe Mosenogi.

Malema was found guilty of criticising Zuma in another ANC disciplinary hearing last year and faces possible expulsion from the party if found guilty again.