JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The lawyer of South Africa's rabble-rousing politician Julius Malema confirms that the government has issued an arrest warrant for him.

Malema, who was expelled from the ruling African National Congress party, has outspokenly encouraged the wildcat mining strikes that have shaken South Africa's critical mining sector.

Malema's lawyer Nicqui Galaktiou said Friday that he was expecting the charges as he had been under investigation. She said that she doesn't know what the specific charges are but that she is communicating with the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police. She said it is expected Malema will appear in court next week.

In recent weeks Malema has spoken to cheering miners and told them that they have been let down by President Jacob Zuma's government and the ruling ANC party.
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AP