Malema trial postponed to 2015

741 Economic Freedom Fighters Commander In Chief Julius Malema being interviewed by The Star in his party's offices in Braamfontein near Johannesburg. 240714 Picture: Boxer Ngwenya

741 Economic Freedom Fighters Commander In Chief Julius Malema being interviewed by The Star in his party's offices in Braamfontein near Johannesburg. 240714 Picture: Boxer Ngwenya

Published Sep 30, 2014

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Polokwane - The trial of Julius Malema and his co-accused was postponed by the Polokwane High Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Andrew Laka asked the court to postpone the trial because some counsel were not available.

"The case is postponed to August 3, 2015 for trial," Judge Ephraim Makgoba said.

The EFF leader was expected to address his supporters outside the court after his brief appearance.

Malema and his co-accused, On-Point Engineering directors Lesiba Gwangwa and Kagisho Dichabe and two companies, On-Point Engineering and Gwama Properties, face charges of racketeering and 52 other counts, including fraud.

In March, corruption charges against Malema's business associates - Selbie Manthatha, his wife Helen Moreroa and his brother Makgetsi Manthatha - were discharged.

The two brothers and Moreroa were initially charged 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.

It is alleged in court papers that Malema had business ties with Gwangwa, and that Malema's Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point.

The State alleges Malema substantially benefited from the tender payment to On-Point, using it to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz.

Sapa

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