Polokwane - Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader Julius Malema and his co-accused Lesiba Gwangwa arrived at the Polokwane High Court on Tuesday morning ahead of a court decision on whether to separate their trial or not.
Malema was flanked by a few senior EFF members.
A few members of the public were also gathered on the pavement, but they were not allowed near the court or to enter it. The South African Police Service were conducting searches and erected barricades less than 100 metres away from the court’s premises.
Security was tight and dozens of police teemed at the scene.
Judge George Moathle was expected to listen to Malema’s defence team’s argument on their request for a separate trial.
On Monday, Malema said he would need to be trialled alone if Kagisho Dichabe’s health state could be used as tool to delay justice.
Malema argued that he has been ready for trial since his arrest and could not wait to clear his name. He said he would explain himself and tell his side of the story.
Should Malema be afforded a separate trial, it would most likely boost his case as the State seems to be depending on Malema’s co-accused’s version to incriminate him.
Malema was arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering, and the evidence pointed out that his family trust Ratanang benefited from these activities.
ANA