Polokwane -
Julius Malema will first sit for his economics exam paper at Unisa before proceeding to stand trial on money-laundering and racketeering charges on Monday.
The 10-day trial for the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader was expected to start at the Polokwane Circuit Court of the Pretoria High Court.
“He has focused on his exams, including writing on his day of court, because there in nothing to fear,” said EFF national spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.
Malema’s charges relate to the R52 million road project tender awarded to On-Point Engineering, a company linked to him by the Limpopo government in 2009. But the former ANC Youth League leader denies any wrongdoing.
Malema’s trial is expected to bring the central business district of his home city of Polokwane to a standstill.
Police say motorists will not be allowed near the court precinct for the next two weeks. Three parallel streets near the court – Schoeman, Landross Mare and Hans van Rensburg – will be closed off where they intersect with Thabo Mbeki and Bodenstein streets.
This means unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed to drive toward offices of the Polokwane municipality, the South African Post Office and Sars.
Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Mulaudzi warned motorists to expect disruption of traffic flow in and around the court area.
“There will also be disruptions in the traffic flow this morning from Oost Street down Bodenstein Street to the court, where an EFF supporters’ march is scheduled to take place,” said Mulaudzi.
Ndlozi estimated about 2 000 Malema supporters would turn up at the court venue.
Mulaudzi said police would monitor the court area.
A limited number of people would be allowed in court.
“Tight control will be enforced by members of the private security company at the court, as well as members of the SAPS,” said Mulaudzi.
A vigil by Malema’s supporters had been planned for Sunday night at a lodge outside Polokwane.
The EFF leader is expected to stand in the dock alongside On-Point directors Lesiba Gwangwa and Kagisho Dichabe.
The two have been charged with fraud, corruption, money laundering and racketeering for their role in the controversial contract.
The case against three of their other co-accused, businessman Selbie Manthata, his wife Helen Moreroa and his brother Makgetsi was transferred to the Mokopane regional court. They face charges similar to those of Gwangwa and Dichabe.
Their alleged crime stems from a report last year by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, which slammed the multimillion-rand contract as invalid.
Malema’s farm was subsequently auctioned off for R2.5 million after it was attached by the National Prosecuting Authority’s asset forfeiture unit. Authorities believe the property had been bought through the proceeds of crime.
The Star