For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Niehaus says thousands' expected at airport on Saturday for Zuma’s arrival; Malema says attack on Ramaphosa 'a desperate act of personal defence'; And, Lesotho's prime minister to be charged with ex-wife's murder

 

Niehaus says thousands' expected at airport on Saturday for Zuma’s arrival

Former president Jacob Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Saturday after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in Cuba, and "thousands will gather" to welcome him.

This is according to Carl Niehaus, who tweeted a statement on behalf of the Gauteng Radical Economic Transformation President Zuma Support Group.

Niehaus urged supporters to gather at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg "no later" than 10:00am, adding that Msholozi must be given a resounding welcome and urged them to also denounce the warrant of arrest.

 

Malema says attack on Ramaphosa 'a desperate act of personal defence

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema followed President Cyril Ramaphosa's cue on Thursday, offering an apology to the first citizen and South Africa over domestic abuse claims that surfaced in Parliament and admitting he should have known better.

Earlier on Thursday, Ramaphosa apologised for African National Congress MP Boy Mamabolo's accusation made in the House that Malema had beaten his wife Mantoa Malema, decrying the politicisation of gender-based violence.

During the State of the Nation Address last Thursday, Mamabolo made the claim that Malema assaulted his wife. During Malema's speech on Tuesday, he repeated the claim when Malema took the unusual step of allowing a question during his speech.

Mamabolo has also apologised to Malema and Mantoa for his claim, saying he was "wrong to raise the matter in public" without consulting with the Malemas first.

 

And, Lesotho's prime minister to be charged with ex-wife's murder

Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane will be charged with the killing of his estranged wife and will appear at the Maseru Magistrates Court on Friday.

He faces a “murder charge in connection with the killing of Lipolelo Thabane", Deputy Commissioner of Police Paseka Mokete said.

The 80-year-old Thabane announced he would step down at the end of July but chose not to mention the murder case. 

He cited old age as a reason for quitting as leader of the tiny, mountainous territory encircled by South Africa.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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