Limpopo - The ANC Youth League is not officially endorsing a night vigil on Tuesday for its expelled president Julius Malema ahead of his corruption trial, a spokesman said.
“We have not officially sanctioned any gathering in Limpopo,” said national African National Congress Youth League spokesman Thabo Kupa.
“All of us who are going there, are going in our personal capacities.”
The Sowetan reported on Tuesday that more than 15 000 people were expected to attend the vigil outside the Polokwane Regional Court.
Limpopo ANCYL spokesman Klaas Mabunda told the newspaper it had arranged buses to take members and Malema supporters to the night vigil.
“I can confirm that, after lengthy articulations, the provincial executive committee of the ANCYL has mandated to organise transport for members and Malema's supporters,” Mabunda said.
Kupa said he was not aware of this.
According to The Sowetan, Mabunda said the buses would be paid for by businesspeople and “some” ANC leaders.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said security would be tight around the court and in Seshego, Malema's home town.
The SA Police Service (SAPS) would monitor and patrol the area in and around the court, the city centre and identified areas in Seshego, Mulaudzi said.
The streets around the court would be closed to traffic from 6am on Wednesday.
Mulaudzi advised motorists to avoid the area around the court for the whole day.
Only a limited number of people would be allowed into the courtroom, he said.
“Tight control will be enforced by members of the private security company at the court, as well as members of the SAPS.
“No dangerous weapons, such as firearms, knives, pangas or knobkerries will be allowed onto the court premises as well as surrounding areas,” Mulaudzi said.
An arrest warrant for Malema was issued on Friday.
City Press reported that Malema faced charges of money laundering, corruption and fraud relating to his Ratanang Family Trust and its shareholding in On-Point Engineering, a company which allegedly made millions from Limpopo government tenders. - Sapa