Polokwane - The streets around the High Court in Polokwane were barricaded with barbed wire ahead of EFF leader Julius Malema and his co-accused's court appearance on Tuesday.
Police monitored the streets and entrance to the court.
Police helicopters circled above.
A street up from the court, next to the police station, a stage had been erected where Malema was expected to address his supporters after his appearance.
Economic Freedom Fighters supporters held a night vigil for their leader at the Nirvana Hall in Polokwane on Monday night.
They are expected to march to the police station from the hall on Tuesday morning.
Malema faces charges of fraud, corruption, money-laundering, and racketeering.
His co-accused are the company On-Point Engineering, Lesiba Gwangwa, Gwama Properties, and Kagisho Dichabe.
The trial was expected to be heard from Tuesday to October 31.
Malema is out on R10 000 bail. The others are on bail of R40 000 each.
The State alleges that they 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 R43m. According to the charge sheet, Malema substantially benefited from this payment, using it to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz. - Sapa