Malema's lawyer charged with attempted murder

Julius Malema’s lawyer Tumi Mokwena will spend the weekend behind bars after his bail application was postponed.

Mokwena made his first appearance at the Thabamoopo Magistrates Court in Lebowakgomo on Friday after he was charged with four counts of attempted murder.

Mokwena's formal bail application is expected to start on Tuesday 27 June.

State prosecutor Advocate Solly Ngobeni said officials were applying for the bail hearing to be postponed so that a detailed profile on Mokwena can be obtained. He said police did not have enough time to obtain the profile because Mokwena was arrested in the evening.

According to police reports one firearm was also confiscated during the arrest. 

Ngobeni added that police needed more time to confirm the condition of one of the victims.  However‚ Mokwena's defence lawyer Naledi Mothapo argued that his profile could be confirmed through a "simple" phone call to the local criminal centre.  

The presiding magistrate granted the prosecution's application for a postponement.

During court proceedings Mokwena‚ who was dressed in a blue sweater‚ made a request for the chains on his ankles to be removed. "I shouldn't be in leg chains when I appear before this court. It is very inhumane‚" he said. The public gallery was filled with farm workers wearing read union shirts