Let me be tried for my sins - Malema

The EFF's fiery leader Julius Malema pleaded for his day in court, insisting his conscience was clear. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko

The EFF's fiery leader Julius Malema pleaded for his day in court, insisting his conscience was clear. File picture: Siphiwe Sibeko

Published Aug 3, 2015

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Polokwane – As the trial of Julius Malema on fraud and money laundering charges was adjourned in the Polokwane High Court on Monday, the EFF’s fiery leader pleaded for his day in court, insisting his conscience was clear.

The trial was postponed to Tuesday after the defence team for one of Malema’s co-accused, Kagiso Dichabe, told the court that their client was hospitalised and would seek a separate trial. The court heard that Dichabe has been hospitalised since last month.

Shortly after the adjournment, Malema - flanked by EFF leadership outside the court - issued a challenge to the prosecutors.

“I challenge the National Prosecuting Authority not to oppose the separation of trials so that my trial can start…,” said Malema.

“The NPA has been trying to get postponements, including today (Monday), trying to use the sickness of accused number five to ask for postponement. I did not agree. I am not scared. Let me be tried for my sins. Let me be persecuted and arrested for my sins. I know my conscience is clear. I have never stolen a penny...”

"You've accused me for too long," he said. "Let me tell my story. Let South Africa know why I am persecuted."

In an apparent swipe at President Jacob Zuma and his government, who have been accused of defying the courts, Malema said he was looking forward to telling “his side of the story” before a “neutral court”.

“All of us, when we are accused by the authorities, must respect the institutions of the state and subject ourselves to the rule of law. Because I’m not above the law, I came here to subject myself to the court of law.”

On Tuesday, Judge Billy Motlhe would listen to both the State and defence advocates on the application to have the trials of Malema and his co-accused heard separately.

Malema and his two co-accused, On-Point Engineering directors Lesiba Gwangwa and Dichabe, face charges of racketeering and 52 other counts, including fraud.

In March 2014, corruption charges against Malema’s business associates Selbie Manthatha, his wife Helen Moreroa, and his brother Makgetsi Manthatha, were dismissed. The three were initially charged along with Malema, Gwangwa and Dichabe in September 2012. They were accused of misrepresenting themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to a R52-million contract being awarded to On-Point Engineering.

In court papers, it was alleged that Malema had business ties with Gwangwa, and that Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point. The State alleged that Malema substantially benefited from the tender payment to On-Point, using it to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz. Malema is out on R10 000 bail. The others are on bail of R40 000 each.

Malema has maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated and form part of a plot against him by ruling African National Congress (ANC) leaders.

If Malema is convicted, he would lose his seat in Parliament.

ANA

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