South Africa firebrand politician Julius Malema warns South Africans they will die if they go to church

South Africa’s firebrand opposition politician Julius Malema has urged people not to fall for the “trap” of going to church, saying they will die after contracting coronavirus.

South African churches are set to reopen from 1 June after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced easing of lockdown restrictions to level three – but only 50 or less people will be allowed inside at any time.

On Thursday, Mr Malema said the reopening of churches would expose worshippers to covid19 and urged religious leaders to keep them closed if they cared about the well-being of their people.

Julius Malema was talking to members of his Economic Freedom Fighters.