The trial, which was postponed in September, is taking place in the city of Polokwane, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Johannesburg. and is expected to be concluded by Sept. 10, National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku said by phone Monday.
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Malema is now facing over 54 counts, including money-laundering, corruption, racketeering and fraud.
Dozens of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters will be rallying behind their leader Julius Malema who goes on trial today for fraud and corruption.
But Monday’s court date joined a slew of false starts, with the trial delayed after one of Malema’s four co-accused was absent after being hospitalised last week.
“I am pleading with the judge to have my day in court”.
“I came here to subject myself to the rule of law”, Malema told a large crowd of supporters clad in the EFF’s signature red T-shirts and berets outside the court.
Streets leading to the court building were closed to traffic as police set up a security perimeter, using barbed wire, to prevent motorists and pedestrians from using the street.
“The dark cloud must be resolved, I am innocent and I want to have my day in court”.
In 2009, On Point Engineering won a R52-million tender from the Department of Roads and Transport in Limpopo for project management.
“You’ve accused me for too long”, he said.
In March 2014, corruption charges against Malema’s business associates Selbie Manthatha, his wife Helen Moreroa and his brother Makgetsi Manthatha, were dismissed. “Let South Africa know why I am persecuted”.
Malema was expelled from the ANC in 2012 for “hate speech and sowing divisions” within the party.
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The party has earned a reputation as parliamentary rabble-rousers, frequently disrupting proceedings with chants and protests.
