Malema's business partner to appear in court

2012-09-25 10:39

Lesiba Gwangwa (File, Beeld)

Polokwane - Expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema's business partner Lesiba Gwangwa will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Gwangwa, who is chief executive of On-Point Engineers, will appear on accusations of tender fraud with other Limpopo businessmen and government officials.

According to a City Press report, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said Malema made millions from a R52m fraudulent tender by On-Point Engineers.

The newspaper reported that 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, City Press reported.

Her investigation found that On-Point acted corruptly.

Madonsela recommended that the tender be immediately cancelled, and 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 scheduled to appear in the same court on Wednesday for alleged fraud and money-laundering related to the On-Point tender.

On Tuesday, the police cordoned off streets surrounding the courthouse.

The accused were to hand themselves over to the police before their court appearance.

Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the police were implementing their security plan the day before Malema's appearance.

He said they wanted to be prepared for a planned night vigil for Malema, and ensure people were safe.

- SAPA