Juju’s possessions go under hammer

Published Feb 23, 2013

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R9 300 for a Euro grand piano and R8 800 for Pioneer CD speakers. This is what some of former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema’s possessions were sold for at an auction in Polokwane yesterday.

Potential bidders – including his former bodyguard and arch-rival, Boy Mamabola, arrived early.

They pushed and shoved to get a good look at Malema’s belongings, but three police vehicles were parked outside the venue to maintain order.

The auction follows Sars’s application to have Malema sequestrated. His attorneys, who this week cut ties with him, had been instructed to file papers in the North Gauteng High Court opposing the application.

Malema had until February 18 to notify Sars about whether he intended to oppose the application. He failed to do so. He owes Sars R16 million.

Malema’s former bodyguard, Jimmy Oliphant, bought the Pioneer speakers. Oliphant refused to speak to the Saturday Star about Malema.

He said, however: “When white people buy items, you don’t ask them. But because I’m black you are asking for my name and all that.”

He said he was happy that he had been the highest bidder for the speakers because he could now listen to music.

Another bidder, Mamabolo, bought a gold-framed mirror for R300.

Mamabolo said he could not afford a good mirror at that price.

“I’m helping Sars to collect what belongs to them (money), not Julius to repay his tax debts. This boy owes Sars, and that is the only way he can give Sars its money back,” Mamabolo said.

He said he had asked Malema for the mirror numerous times. He had promised to give it to him since 2009.

Mamabolo said he was disappointed because some of the items were bought by Malema’s friends and they would probably give those items back to him. “Malema is still powerful in Limpopo.

“I have known Malema from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Those who say Malema is down don’t know what they are talking about.”

Deputy Sheriff Jannie Nel refused to disclose the total amount raised on the day.

However, the Saturday Star has established from a source that the amount is more than R30 000 but under R50 000.

Malema still faces criminal charges of money laundering and racketeering. - The Saturday Star

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