A South African judge struck the corruption case against fiery opposition politician Julius Malema off the roll on Tuesday, saying that the firebrand leader had waited too long for the trial.
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Mr Malema formed the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party in 2013 following his expulsion from the governing African National Congress (ANC). “They said their agenda is to stop Malema”, said Shivambu.
“I came here today to answer for my sins and we must respect the institutions of the state and one must be subjected to the rule of the law”.
“I knew coming from her it is genuine, it is true”.
Malema, who recently survived sequestration after South Africa’s tax authorities accused him of evading taxes, faces 51 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering.
“I’ve asked the judge to separate me from that accused and to try me alone because I want to have my day in court”.
On-Point Engineering directors Lesiba Gwangwa and Kagisho Dichabe are accused of doctoring the documents when bidding for the tender.
The court heard that Dichabe has been in hospital since last month.
Further allegations are that Malema’s company and a family trust received kickbacks from companies that were contracted by On-point Engineering to provide the required service on behalf of the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport.
Malema – who has himself regularly accused the government of corruption and urged Zuma to pay back millions of dollars of state funds spent on renovating his home – has dismissed the charges as politically motivated.
Police say some streets around the hall and the Polokwane High Court will be closed.
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Abel Kufakunesu, a Zimbabwe businessman based in Polokwane, argued the charges would win more sympathizers for Malema as their timing was suspicious.
