‘Zuma has 700 charges, I only have one’

Axed ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema arrives for his court appearance in Polokwane on September 26. He was charged with money laundering in a high-profile corruption case his supporters say is part of a political plot to silence President Jacob Zuma's most vocal critic. Picture: Reuters

Axed ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema arrives for his court appearance in Polokwane on September 26. He was charged with money laundering in a high-profile corruption case his supporters say is part of a political plot to silence President Jacob Zuma's most vocal critic. Picture: Reuters

Published Sep 26, 2012

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Limpopo - Expelled ANCYL president Julius Malema proclaimed his innocence on Wednesday after being granted bail by the Polokwane Regional Court, where he appeared on a charge of money-laundering.

“Comrades... we are happy our charges are here. We are prepared to answer any questions and every question... because we are not hiding anything,” he said.

“Only criminals run away from the court.”

Malema was addressing supporters outside the court.

He said his supporters needed to make sure President Jacob Zuma was not re-elected at the ANC's national conference in Mangaung.

“We must make sure Jacob Zuma does not become president of the ANC.... Remove him as a president,” Malema said.

“Zuma has 700 charges against him. I only have one.”

He said Zuma had to be officially charged and arrested.

Malema thanked the crowd for its support and for a night vigil held for him on Tuesday.

Malema was charged with money-laundering and granted bail of R10 000 on Wednesday. The case was postponed until November 30.

He thanked the ANC Youth League's leadership, in particular spokeswoman Magdalene Moonsamy, for continuing to fight for him against the media.

He also thanked his family, and especially his grandmother, who he said continued to receive threats.

“She has always said to me... if you believe in it, continue to fight for it.”

He thanked the ANC provincial leadership for supporting him against “politically motivated charges”.

“All of you, your efforts are recognised,” he said.

He also thanked his lawyer, who he said had represented him despite criticism from other white people.

“They want justice to be served. That is why they took a decision to represent me... and my team will be victorious.”

Malema said all institutions of government were investigating him.

“I am subjected to harassment... and the media are taking sides. We will never tolerate dictatorship.”

He said certain members of the media conspired with the “dictatorship” against him and that they would not cover certain events, in the same way police had prevented him from addressing mine workers at Marikana. - Sapa

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