PANDEMONIUM broke out in Seshego, outside Polokwane, yesterday when supporters of embattled ANC Youth League Julius Malema clashed with a group opposed to his leadership.

This was after Malema's detractors attacked his supporters driving in a motorcade to show support for the suspended youth leader.

The motorcade of about 2,000 cars took off outside Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, and made its way to the house of Malema's grandmother in Seshego Zone 1.

As the convoy snaked its way through the township, a group of about 20 Malema opponents mobilised and intercepted the motorcade.

But the unfazed pro-Malema group proceeded to his home where a prayer service had been organised.

The tension follows the outcome of the ANC's national disciplinary committee of appeals which at the weekend upheld the guilty verdict by the national disciplinary committee against Malema.

Malema's aunt, Maropeng Mashatole, said: "This is not the end of the world and we will support our child. We want to thank the ANCYL for rallying behind us during this trying time."

Speaking at Malema's home, ANCYL provincial chairman Frans Moswane urged ANCYL supporters to remain unshaken and rally behind Malema.

He also vowed that the ANCYL would continue to support Malema's family despite the setback.

"We will continue to support our president. Don't be intimidated by some ill-disciplined people who were carrying a coffin [which they burnt in a mock cremation of Malema]," Moswane said.

ANC provincial treasurer Rudzani Ludere said: "Even if they purge Malema out of the organisation they will never obliterate the resolutions taken by the ANCYL, among others nationalisation of mines."

Pastor Jaqueline Selolo from the Seshego Baptist Church prayed for Malema's family during the prayer meeting.