Julius Malema – image – www.sowetanlive.co.za
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema appeared at the Polokwane High Court on Thursday in a bid to have his corruption charges dropped.
The judge dismissed his application and ruled that the case should go ahead as scheduled unless the National Prosecuting Authorities drops the charges. Malema is facing charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and racketeering.
It is reported that On-Point Engineering, a company in which he held shares through his Ratanang family trust, misrepresented itself and won a R52 million tender from the Limpompo government in 2009.
Malema was allegedly paid R4 million from the money that the government paid to On-Point Engineering. It is believed that he accepted the money knowing that it was obtained fraudulently. However, he maintains that he is innocent. He believes that the charges against him are politically motivated and aimed at silencing him.
Malema and his co-accused are currently out on bail. Their trial is set to begin next year in September.
