Several police officers were stationed in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday ahead of the appearance of expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema's business associates.
Courtroom J was packed to capacity with reporters, photographers and the public. The case had not started by noon.
Outside the court, the police cordoned off streets around the courthouse.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the police had put their security plan into action a day before Malema was scheduled to appear.
Police wanted to be prepared for a planned night vigil for Malema, and to ensure people were safe, he said.
Police Nyalas and vans were parked across streets.
On-Point Engineers CEO Lesiba Gwangwa was to appear on charges of tender fraud on Tuesday, with other Limpopo businessmen and government officials.
According to a City Press report, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said Malema made millions from a R52 million tender by On-Point.
Malema's Ratanang Family Trust was one of two shareholders in On-Point.
Although Madonsela could not find any evidence that Malema interfered in the tender process, she found that he benefited "improperly" from the contract.
Her investigation found that On-Point acted corruptly by signing back-to-back agreements with subcontractors, the newspaper reported.
Madonsela recommended that the tender be immediately cancelled, that the National Prosecuting Authority and the Asset Forfeiture Unit consider criminal action, and that the Master of the High Court investigate the flow of money into Malema's trust.
Malema is due to appear in the same court on Wednesday for alleged fraud and money-laundering related to the On-Point tender.
His business associates handed themselves over to the police on Tuesday morning before their court appearance.
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