Tight security for Malema appearance
Security will be tight at the Polokwane High Court for EFF leader Julius Malema's court appearance this week, Limpopo police said on Monday.
"[Police] will be monitoring and patrolling the area in and around the court, as well as the city centre and identified areas in Seshego, with the aim to ensure peace and stability," Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said.
"No lawlessness will be tolerated and those who break the law will be arrested immediately."
Last week, the corruption case against the Economic Freedom Fighters leader was postponed to next year.
He will make representations to a judge on Thursday and Friday on why the matter should not go to trial.
The former ANC Youth League leader allegedly made nearly R4 million from corrupt activities. He is out on bail of R10,000 and faces charges of fraud, corruption, money-laundering, and racketeering.
Malema's co-accused are his business associates Kagisho Dichabe, Lesiba Gwangwa, Helen Moreroa, and Makgetsi Manthata. They are out on bail of R40,000 each.
The State alleges Malema and the others misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to a R52m contract being awarded to On-Point Engineering.
According to court papers, Malema had business ties with Gwangwa, a director of On-Point Engineering. Malema's Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point.
The department paid the company R43m. According to the charge sheet, Malema substantially benefited from this payment, using it to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz.
Mulaudzi said: "Tight control will be enforced by members of the private security company at the court, as well as members of the SA Police Service.
"No dangerous weapons, such as fire-arms, knives, pangas or knobkerries will be allowed onto the court premises as well as surrounding areas.
A night vigil was expected to be held for Malema at the Oasis Lodge in Polokwane on Wednesday.
Mulaudzi said police would also be monitoring the vigil, as well as a motorcade and march into the city centre on Thursday morning.
A number of streets around the court will be closed on Thursday.
These were Schoeman Street from Thabo Mbeki to Bodenstein Streets, Landdros Mare Street from Thabo Mbeki to Bodenstein Street and Hans van Rensburg Street from Thabo Mbeki to Bodenstein Street.
The march was scheduled to start on Oost Street down to Bodenstein Street.
-Sapa