Cops to challenge Malema acquittal

REFILE - CORRECTING DATE South African politician Julius Malema is pictured during an interview with Reuters in Johannesburg July 22, 2013. Malema, the expelled "bad boy" of South Africa's ruling African National Congress and now facing racketeering charges he denies, this month launched the nation's newest political movement the Economic Freedom Fighters, calling for a revolutionary jolt to Africa's biggest economy through nationalisation of mines and expropriation of white-owned land. Picture taken July 22, 2013. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS)

REFILE - CORRECTING DATE South African politician Julius Malema is pictured during an interview with Reuters in Johannesburg July 22, 2013. Malema, the expelled "bad boy" of South Africa's ruling African National Congress and now facing racketeering charges he denies, this month launched the nation's newest political movement the Economic Freedom Fighters, calling for a revolutionary jolt to Africa's biggest economy through nationalisation of mines and expropriation of white-owned land. Picture taken July 22, 2013. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: POLITICS)

Published Mar 1, 2014

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Johannesburg - EFF leader Julius Malema's acquittal on a reckless driving charge will be challenged, Gauteng traffic police said on Friday.

Spokesman Obed Sibasa said in a statement that the traffic authority had submitted the relevant evidence to the State.

“The matter was set down for plea today (Friday).”

Sibasa said the traffic policeman who testified in Malema's case on Friday had not been not subpoenaed and was at the Vanderbijilpark Magistrate's Court for another matter.

According to Sibasa, during Malema's previous court appearance on January 29, Malema's legal team requested time to study the case docket and advise their client on a possible plea.

“Following the confusion the senior prosecutor instructed her colleague not to proceed with the trial and to focus on the plea but the ill-prepared prosecutor defied her and proceeded with the trial,” he claimed.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader was accused of driving at 215km/h in a 120km/h zone, and Sibasa insisted the Gauteng traffic police had a “watertight case” against him.

“Our legal team is busy studying the outcome of the case, hoping the matter will back in court soon.”

Earlier, Malema's lawyer Tumi Mokoena questioned the accuracy of the device used to record Malema's speed.

Traffic officer David Phumudi told the court the device was working properly and that it was regularly tested.

The court ruled that the State could not prove the device used to record Malema's speed was in good working order.

Sapa

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