Quiet vigil ahead of Malema's day in court

2012-09-26 07:02

Polokwane - There were no incidents during the night vigil held ahead of Julius Malema's court appearance, police said on Wednesday.

"Nothing happened on the vigil. People behaved themselves at both venues - Seshego and Nirvana Hall," said police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.

Police monitored both venues throughout the night, he said.

"We hope that the people would continue with the good behaviour in court this morning."

Mulaudiz said police officers were already in court before the crowds' arrival.

Malema would appear in the Polokwane District Court on money laundering charges amounting to R4m.

The Mail & Guardian reported on Wednesday that less than a thousand people had assembled for the night vigil - far fewer than organisers had expected. Earlier, there were reports of at least 2 000 people arriving.

Malema himself did not appear at the vigil, despite rumours that he was due to appear at 20:00, then at 22:00, and then at midnight.

Former ANCYL member Sindiso Magaqa told the crowd to be "ready for anything" in a rousing speech, even the "same murderers" from Marikana.

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- SAPA