Malema has ‘good story’ to tell court

Julius Malema's trial was postponed to Tuesday after the defence team for one of his co-accused, Kagiso Dichabe, told the court that their client was in hospital and would seek a separate trial.

Julius Malema's trial was postponed to Tuesday after the defence team for one of his co-accused, Kagiso Dichabe, told the court that their client was in hospital and would seek a separate trial.

Published Aug 3, 2015

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Polokwane: As the trial of EFF leader Julius Malema on fraud and money laundering charges was adjourned in the Polokwane High Court on Monday, the 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 in hospital and would seek a separate trial.

The court heard that Dichabe has been in hospital since last month.

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

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

“The National Prosecuting Authority has been trying to get postponements, including today, 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.”

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 the State and defence advocates on the application to have the trials of Malema and his co-accused heard separately.

Security outside the court was expected to remain tight.

On Monday, Malema’s supporters gathered a few metres from the court building, wearing red shirts and singing pro-Malema songs.

The streets leading to the court building were closed to traffic as police set up a security perimeter, using barbed wire, to prevent motorists and pedestrians from using the street.

The fiery opposition leader 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 ANC leaders.

If Malema is convicted, he would lose his seat in Parliament. – African News Agency

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