Lawyer: South Africa issues arrest warrant for youth leader From Kim Norgaard, CNN September 22, 2012 -- Updated 0220 GMT (1020 HKT) Julius Malema's attorney says she does not know specific accusations The ruling African National Congress expelled Malema this year The move came after he made a speech critical of President Jacob Zuma The youth leader, who helped bring Zuma to power in 2009, enjoys wide support Johannesburg (CNN) -- An arrest warrant has been issued for Julius Malema, a youth leader in South Africa, his attorney said Friday. Neither she nor her client have been informed of the exact charges, said Nicqui Galaktiou. They are cooperating with authorities and expect to have a court appearance next week, she said. Malema was expelled from South Africa's ruling African National Congress this year in the wake of a speech he made that was critical of President Jacob Zuma. In his comments, Malema suggested that Zuma was running the party in a dictatorial and intolerant way. "It is under President Zuma that we have seen the youth of the ANC being traumatized, being expelled from their own home," Malema said, according to an ANC statement. It is under President Zuma we have seen a critical voice being suppressed. Malema and the ANC Youth League helped propel Zuma to power in 2009. But in recent years, he has become one of Zuma's fiercest critics, accusing the administration of failing to improve the lives of the poor. In December, the ANC is due to elect a new leader who is expected to lead the party into national elections in 2014. Malema had been mentioned as a potential contender for the role. The youth leader has also been the subject of a criminal investigation by the national revenue service over allegations that he used his political position to influence the awarding of government contracts.