Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africas opposition politician Julius Malema will return to court in September next year after a judge refused on Thursday to drop corruption charges against him. The expelled chief of the ruling ANCs youth wing, now a prominent opposition leader, had tried to get the graft charges thrown out, but High Court judge Ephraim Makgoba ruled that the charges were not withdrawn and would be pursued by the authorities. Malema is facing charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering, arising from allegations that he arranged lucrative government contracts for cronies in return for kickbacks. He is charged with four of his business associates and faces up to 15 years in prison. The firebrand politician in July launched his leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party to take on the ANC, which has dominated South Africas political scene for decades. The financial affairs of the 32-year-old, notorious for his extravagant lifestyle, became the subject of a probe by the public watchdog last year after he was kicked out of the party. Some of his assets, including a farm, a house and other personal effects, were seized and later auctioned by the tax authorities to cover more than $2 million (1.5 million euro) in unpaid taxes. A one-time staunch supporter of President Jacob Zuma, Malema has maintained that his prosecution is a political ploy to silence his relentless criticism of Zumas leadership. Malema has been out on bail since September 2012.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 23:26:24 +0000
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