Johannesburg - Expelled African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema's corruption case will continue in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Friday.
On Thursday, Malema told the court he feared that a delay in setting a trial date for his case could jeopardise the launch of his new political party.
“The sooner this case is finished, the better. I am in the process of forming a (political) party,” he said.
Malema blamed President Jacob Zuma for some of his troubles.
“It becomes impossible to convince people to join the party. President Zuma has done everything to make sure that I lost everything and block whoever is linked with Malema,” he told the court.
Malema is accused of making nearly R4-million from corrupt activities.
He is out on bail of R10 000 and faces charges of fraud, corruption, money-laundering and racketeering.
His co-accused are his business associates Kagisho Dichabe, Lesiba Gwangwa, Helen Moreroa, and Makgetsi Manthata, who are out on bail of R40 000 each.
The State alleges Malema and the others misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo Roads and Transport Department, leading to a R52-million contract being awarded to On-Point Engineering.
According to court papers, Malema had business ties with Gwangwa, a director of On-Point Engineering. Malema's Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point.
The department paid the company R43-million. According to the charge sheet, Malema substantially benefited from this payment, using it to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz. - Sapa