At that point, Malema boldly told members of the ANC caucus that he's got them by “the scrotum”, and that the “fools” would not tell him when and how to respond to questions.

“I never said I won't answer the question. So I'm reading my speech. No one is going to tell me what to do, at what time. I am in charge, that's why these fools are running around.

“I've got the ruling party by scrotum. I'm in charge; I'm running the house,” Malema said amid heckling between EFF and ANC MPs.

When asked by NCOP chairperson Amos Masondo to withdraw his comment calling MPs fools, Malema refused. Masondo said he would rule on the matter later.

“Let's keep it for one hour so I can be on this platform for one hour. Let's go on,” said Malema as he mocked ANC MPs.

“The caucus of the ANC has collapsed. I'm in charge,” said a giggling Malema.

When he eventually addressed Mamabolo's claims, Malema said they were not true.

“I don't have a history of abuse. It's a history of love. That's me for you. I don't have a history of abusing women. I'm in love. I'm happily married,” he said.