‘I want my day in court’ – Malema: As it happened {Pics} - News of Africa - Online Entertainment - Gossip - Celebrity Newspaper

Embattled EFF party leader Julius Malema says he has been longing for his day in court, and is confident he will win his trial in Polokwane, where he faces charges of fraud, corruption, racketeering among others.

“The EFF is bigger than one individual, the EFF is the organisation.

“We love South Africa. We are going to save South Africa through the building of the EFF.

Malema is now calling on the gathered EFF supporters to go forth and win members for the party as the 2016 elections approach.

“Channel your energies to the ground. Speak to the poor masses of our people, and explain to them why we must vote for the EFF.”

“I wish I could shake the hands of all of you. You believe in me, you believe in the courts,” says Malema.

Malema is now addressing the gathered crowd.

EFF leader Julius Malema, along with EFF spokesperson Mbuyoseni Ndlozi, Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and others leave the court house.

Case has been adjourned to 10:00 on Tuesday for parties to confer and come to an agreement on whether the trial will continue tomorrow or whether it will be postponed or separate the trials.

“There are a number of options that could be considered. I could ask for a postponement of a trial but I was told that a separation of trial was also an option,” says Malema’s lawyer, Mike Hellens.

“State was notified on Sunday that accused number 5 would not be present in court on Monday.

“We were quite startled [when they heard about postponement]. I understand the state is considering conceding to a separation of powers. We are ready to start tomorrow. In the event that they want a postponement we will file an application for a separation of trials.”

Accused number 5 is not present at court today, reports News24’s Mpho Raborife.

According to lawyers, he has been hospitalized for some time.

The media has just been allowed inside the courthouse, reports News24’s Mpho Raborife.

EFF leadership standing outside Court D at the Polokwane High Court ahead of their leader’s appearance.

Deputy President Floyd Shivambu has just arrived.

Media still waiting outside for proceedings to start at the High Court in Polokwane.

Julius Malema arrives at the High Court in Polokwane.

EFF supporters send a message to state prosecutors.

EFF supporters in their numbers near the High Court in Polokwane, which has been cordoned off.

“We are here to support our Commander-In-Chief. The State must just drop this case. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“We want to deal with this case and finish with this case. That is all,” deputy Secretary General Hlengiwe Hlophe-Maxon told reporters outside court.

Tight security outside the High Court in Polokwane.

A faint sound of vuvuzelas can be heard approaching the court, News24’s Mpho Raborife reports. Supporters of EFF leader Julius Malema are expected to be out in full force today.

He said Malema and his co-accused were facing four charges; namely money laundering, corruption, racketeering and fraud.

But that they were facing 54 counts in total.

“Out of the 54 counts, two are racketeering and the rest is split between fraud, corruption and money laundering,” NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfako said.

“Whenever we make a decision to prosecute, we look at the facts at our disposal. We analyse the evidence and once we decide to enrol, our prospects of a successful prosecution are highly reasonable,” Mfaku told journalists outside the court.

NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku has said outside the court house he is confident about its case and is ready to begin.

A DA supporter outside the court house in Polokwane expresses his support for Malema.

At the entrance of the court, there was a handful of security guards who were monitoring the activity.

Outside court, journalists were setting up their cameras and gazebos.

Two correctional services vehicles with blaring sirens were earlier parked in front of the court.

Tight security measures had been put in place ahead of the appearance of Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader, Julius Malema at the High Court in Polokwane on Monday.

Barbed wire had been spread across the street in front of the court and five police vehicles and a nyala were parked several metres away.

Groups of police officers were standing at both sides of the blocked road.

According to court papers, Malema allegedly had business ties with Gwangwa. Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point Engineering.

The State alleges that Malema and his co-accused misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to a R52m contract being awarded to On-Point Engineering.

It was alleged that Malema used some of the money to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz. Malema is out on R10 000 bail, the others on bail of R40 000 each.

The fraud trial of Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and his co-accused is expected to start in the High Court in Polokwane on Monday.

The trial was postponed last September, as not all counsel were present.

Malema and his co-accused, On-Point Engineering directors Lesiba Gwangwa and Kagisho Dichabe, face charges of racketeering, fraud, corruption, and money-laundering.