Polokwane - Expelled ANCYL president Julius Malema fears
the delay in setting a trial date for his case could jeopardise the launch of
his new political party, the Polokwane Magistrate's Court heard on Thursday.
Malema told the court it was difficult for him to find
people who could fund his party, and also to get voters.
He said this was because no one wanted to be associated
with a leader who was facing a jail sentence.
"The sooner this case is finished, the better. I am
in the process of forming a [political] party," he said.
Malema blamed President Jacob Zuma for some of his
troubles.
"It becomes impossible to convince people to join
the party. President Zuma has done everything to make sure that I lost
everything and block whoever is linked with Malema," he told the court.
"We tried farming. They come and take away
everything."
Malema is accused of making nearly R4m from corrupt
activities.
He is out on bail of R10 000 and faces charges of fraud,
corruption, money-laundering, and racketeering.
On Thursday, the court was expected to transfer the
matter to the high court and to set a date for the trial.
Malema told the court life had not been easy for him
since his expulsion from the ruling party.
"It has been very difficult. I depend on generosity.
It is not donation. If I say donation, I will be in trouble with the
taxman," he said.
His co-accused are his business associates Kagisho
Dichabe, Lesiba Gwangwa, Helen Moreroa, and Makgetsi Manthata, who are out on
bail of R40 000 each.
Trial date
The State and the defence teams argued for and against
the matter being postponed on Thursday.
The court was expected to transfer the matter to the high
court and set a trial date.
The State alleges that 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.
Malema allegedly did this knowing the money formed part
of the proceeds of crime.
All five have proclaimed their innocence.
The case has been postponed until Friday.
