Little support for Malema during court appearance NEWS
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April 25, 2013
polokwane
OBSERVER
PHOTOS: RC MYBURGH
Julius Malema raises a clenched fist to acknowledge his supporters who gathered outside the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. RC MYBURGH >>rc.observer@gmail.com
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ormer African National Congress Youth League (Ancyl) President, Julius Malema and his five co-accused on Tuesday appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and racketeering amid tight security measures yet with noticeably fewer supporters watching his arrival and hasty departure from behind the barbed wire barricade. He arrived at court in the company of Ancyl Limpopo Provincial Secretary, Mr Jacob Lebogo. Malema’s cousin, Mr Tshepo Malema and flamboyant Gauteng businessman, Mr Kenny Kunene also turned up to show their support. Police and security officials were highly visible and present inside the court room as well as outside. Landdros Maré Street within the vicinity of the court building was condoned off and emergency personnel were on standby.
On-Point Engineering Director, Mr Kagisho Dichabe consults with his attorney.
Former African National Congress Youth League (Ancyl) President, Julius Malema arrives at court accompanied by Ancyl Limpopo Provincial Secretary, Jacob Lebogo. Malema faces charges ranging from fraud to corruption, money laundering and racketeering.
Appearing with Malema were Messrs Lesiba Gwangwa and Kagisho Dichabe, former directors of On-Point Engineering, businessman Selby Manthata, his wife Ms Helen Moreroa and his brother Mr Makgetsi Manthata. The accused face charges ranging from alleged fraud to corruption, money laundering and racketeering. The charges relate to a R52 million tender allegedly fraudulently awarded to On-Point Engineering by the Department of Roads and Transport (DRT). Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was allegedly an indirect shareholder of On-Point Engineering. Magistrate Janine Ungerer remanded the matter to 20 June after state prosecutor Billy Moalosi requested that the case be postponed to give him time to make arrangements for it to be moved to the high court and also arrange a trial date. Afterwards Malema acknowledged his supporters with a raised, clenched fist be-
Some of the Malema supporters who gathered at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
fore getting into a vehicle driven by Lebogo. Last week the Hawks arrested a general manager of DRT, Mr Floyd Brink who briefly appeared on a charge of fraud for his alleged involvement in a R63 million pothole tender. The Department of Roads and Transport was placed under administration in October 2011 and investigations related to money paid for tenders to fix potholes but which were never done, led to the arrests of several high flyers. Tshepo Malema and two other accused in this matter, Mr Cedric Phukubje, Director of Morolong Construction and Ms Precious Lekolwane, Director of Bara Trading Enterprise appeared after Brink and the case against them was temporarily withdrawn. Hawks Spokesperson, Mr Paul Ramaloko then cited technical problems on the charge sheet as reason for the withdrawal. He added that the charges against them might be reinstated at a later stage.
Businessman Kenny Kunene exits the court premises after attending the proceedings.
Bus strike leaves commuters in limbo >> Bought monthly tickets with lots of money >> We don’t have budget for that HERBERT RACHUENE >>herbert@mailbox.co.za The nationwide bus strike has left thousands of commuters travelling between Polokwane and Mankweng, Seshego and Moletjie stranded and without an alternative mode of transport. The strike commenced on Friday with bus drivers demanding an 18% wage increase while employers are offering only 6,5%. A regular bus passenger from Mobokelele Village in Moletjie, Ms Mokgadi Mokgagaladi said they should have been informed about the strike to avoid the situation they find themselves in. “We rely heavily on buses. We do understand their demands, but I think they should at least have informed us so that we can prepare for this situation. We bought monthly tickets with lots of money and now they are useless. I understand that taxis are the only options now, but we don’t have budget for that because the taxi prices have also gone up,” Mokgagaladi said. Mr Maria Lekomane from Ga-Kibi in the Moletjie area said that they are not happy with the increase on their monthly tickets. “We used to pay R420 and now we are paying R480. This is ridiculous because commuters in the Seshego area are paying R350 for their monthly ticket. It is not fair at all and we were also not consulted,” Lekomane said. Head of Communications for Limpopo Economic Development Agency, Mr Nthikeng Mohlele said they have noted the concerns of commuters and that he will only be able to give further response after consulting the Chief Executive Officer of Great North Transport on the matter.