EFF supporters to rally behind Malema during trial

Julius Malema’s trial is expected to begin on Monday, and the stakes are high for all involved.

Malema had earlier arrived at the court for his long-awaited trial on fraud and money laundering charges.

The hearing was postponed after the defence team for one of Malema’s co-accused Kagiso Dichabe told court that their client was hospitalised and would seek a separate trial.

“I am pleading with the judge to have my day in court. I have been asking for the past three years for my day in court”.

These are the same supporters who back Malema when he calls for South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma to face corruption allegations linked to the multimillion-dollar upgrade of his private residence, financed by taxpayers. “I’ve had this dark cloud over me for too long”.

Prosecutors claimed he was an indirect shareholder in the company awarding the contract.

Dichaba was the chief operating officer and director of On Point, while Malema and Gwangwa had family trusts which held shares in the company.

The trial will be heard in the High Court, sitting in Polokwane, and is set down for six weeks.

Malema and four business associates are accused of lying to win a government construction contract in his home province of Limpopo, worth 52 million rand (US$4.1 million).

On Sunday night several supporters attended a night vigil for the EFF leader and said they believe their leader is not guilty of the charges and there was a political conspiracy against Malema.

Speaking ahead of Malema’s appearance, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Ronel Otto said there would be tight security around the court.

Police have closed off several roads around the court house and there is barbedwire to ensure that demonstrators don’t disrupt proceedings.