Johannesburg - Expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema takes the money-laundering charge against him “very seriously”, his lawyers said on Thursday.
“Mr Malema takes the charge very seriously, and will in no way undermine the rule of law,” according to a statement issued by Brian Kahn Attorneys.
“Whilst money-laundering is a schedule one offence, it remains serious in nature and it covers incidents where persons acquire, possess or use the proceeds of unlawful activities.”
Malema was not charged with corruption or fraud, as had been speculated in the media prior to his court appearance.
On Wednesday, Malema was granted R10 000 bail in Polokwane Regional Court, where he appeared with his business partner and co-accused Selbie Manthatha.
The matter was postponed to November 30, when the State will hand over the case docket, containing evidence, to Malema's attorneys.
His lawyers said Malema had shown his willingness to co-operate with both the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority on many occasions.
“He undertook to present himself voluntarily at court, without the need to be arrested. He maintains that it was not necessary for him to be arrested as he recorded his undertaking to the Hawks and the NPA (last year)... “
Malema's arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday, the day before his court appearance, and not on Thursday last week, as indicated in some media reports.
“It was therefore totally unnecessary to have Mr Malema arrested when he undertook to present himself at court voluntarily.”
The matter was now sub judice (under judgement) and further details would not be communicated to the media, said his lawyers. - Sapa