Malema graft trial postponed, set for high court

24 Apr 2013 | Frank Maponya Limpopo Bureau Chief |

THE Polokwane Magistrate's Court yesterday postponed the trial of former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema to June 20, to allow the prosecution team time to get a high court date.

IN THE DOCK: Former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema speaks with his lawyer Tumi Mokoena in the Polokwane magistrate court yesterday. PHOTO:CHESTER MAKANA

Malema is facing charges of racketeering and money laundering, while his co-accused are facing charges of money laundering, fraud and corruption.
Malema's co-accused are On-Point managing director Lesiba Gwangwa, Kagiso Dichabe, Selby Manthata and his wife and brother, Hellen Moreroa and Makgetsi Manthata respectively.
The group appeared before magistrate Janine Ungerer.
They are facing charges relating to a R52-million tender that the Limpopo department of roads and transport awarded to On-Point, which is a company co-owned by Malema's Ratanang Family Trust.
State prosecutor Billy Moalosi requested that the case be postponed to give him time to make arrangements for the matter to be moved to the high court and also arrange a trial date in the high court.
Moalosi said he had agreed with the defence lawyers about the new date but he admitted that it would be difficult to get a high court date.
Ungerer accepted Moalosi's request and postponed the matter.
Malema's childhood friend and the ANCYL's provincial secretary Jacob Lebogo, his counterpart in Gauteng, Ayanda Kasa-Ntsobi, and sushi king Kenny Kunene were among those that joined Malema's relatives inside the courtroom.
Despite beefed up security, which included the deployment of a large contingent of police officers, there was only a handful of Malema's supporters who showed up.
The court area was barricaded with barbed wire and streets blocked in anticipation of protests that usually take place every time the former youth leader makes a court appearance. - frankm@sowetan.co.za