Malema's fraud trial postponed

EFF leader Julius Malema faces the prospect of hitting the 2016 local government election with a cloud of criminal charges hanging over his head.

A defiant Malema yesterday said no one but God could determine his future, and that even if he went to jail or was killed the legacy of the Economic Freedom Fighters would remain.

"The possibility of an unfair trial is strong but we will remain unshaken. We must only be scared of God and not these individuals. The state is against us, but don't be scared, we will overcome," he said.

He was speaking to hundreds of supporters outside the Polokwane High Court where he was appearing on charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering.

His trial was postponed to August 3 next year after one of the lawyers failed to pitch. Malema said the state agreed to a postponement because there was no case to answer to.

"If there was, they would have insisted that this hearing happens. But we will wait, they must know that justice delayed is justice denied," he said. Malema claimed President Jacob Zuma and the ANC were trying to derail his party.

The state alleged that Malema pocketed nearly R4-million from corrupt activities in Limpopo.

He and his co-accused, directors at On-Point Engineering, Kagisho Dichabe and Lesiba Gwangwa, have been charged with racketeering and 52 other charges, including fraud.

The men allegedly misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to a R52-million contract being awarded to On-Point, of which Malema, through his Ratanang Family Trust, is a shareholder.

The state alleged that Malema used his gains from the tender payment to buy himself a farm and a Mercedes-Benz.

Malema said he would ask that his case be separated from that of his co-accused, who were not ready.