And therefore any form of sickness or death or any other material condition should never prevent me from having my day in court. “They do not have a case against me”.
Advertisement
Malema had earlier arrived at the court for his long-awaited trial on fraud and money laundering charges.
But as combative as ever, the former ANC youth league leader said he saw light at the end of the tunnel and was not afraid.
The trial, which was supposed to begin on Monday after being adjourned in September last year, was again postponed until Tuesday because one of Malema’s four associates was too ill to appear at the court.
“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”.
Malema’s co-accused are On-Point Engineering, Lesiba Gwangwa and Gwama Properties.
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.
It was also alleged that Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in the company and that he benefited from the contract.
The case was politically motivated, Malema told reporters outside the court, according to footage broadcast by eNCA.
No decision was made on this request.
Abel Kufakunesu, a Zimbabwe businessman based in Polokwane, argued the charges would win more sympathizers for Malema as their timing was suspicious.
Police say some streets around the hall and the Polokwane High Court will be closed.
Advertisement
“We all know that the charges Malema is facing today are trumped up, but those that behind the criminal allegations were slow thinkers in that the EFF now boasts capable leadership to cause upsets even when Malema is behind bars”, said Sithole.
