South African populist firebrand Julius Malema was charged with money laundering and released on bail Wednesday as he derided the case against him as the political handy-work of arch-foe President Jacob Zuma. Malema, once the rising star of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was accused of "money laundering, of receiving the proceeds of unlawful activities," prosecutor Billy Moalosi told the court.
The charges detail a complex pyramid of companies linked to Malema. Each were said to be involved in lying and influence peddling to win an infrastructure contract in Malema's home province of Limpopo, worth 52 million rand ($6.3 million, 4.9 million euros.) The proceeds are alleged to have been used to help buy Malema a Mercedes Benz Viano and a large farm.
A police spokesperson said the charge could result in up to 15 years in prison and a large fine. The case was adjourned to November 30 and during Wednesday's hearing Malema did not enter a plea. But after being released on bail of 10,000 rand (945 euros, $1,215) he told supporters that he was innocent. He alleged the case was punishment for a high-profile dispute with Zuma.
"Some people have taken a decision to conspire against me and bring some charges," he said, waving his fist from the back of a pickup truck to cheers. "They are trying to get something against me, they are sent by Jacob Zuma." Police issued an arrest warrant for the former ANC Youth League leader on Friday, shortly after he seized on unrest at South Africa's mines to launch political attacks against Zuma.
"These charges which they've brought against me, they will not affect me in any way. I am unshaken. I am not intimidated by nonsense," he said. The ANC said it regarded Malema's allegations with "contempt," describing them as "inflammatory and unsubstantiated." "We call on all that claim to have evidence of abuse of state power and its agencies, to submit such evidence in court."
Malema turned himself in on Wednesday, appearing first at a police station and then in court, where, sporting a dark suit, red tie and white shirt, he appeared relaxed. After walking into the dock, he turned, smiled and waved to his cheering supporters in the packed courtroom, who broke into song. Hundreds of his fans were also waiting outside, many sporting combative placards attacking Zuma, whose party expelled Malema earlier this year.
One warned "all hell will break lose" if he is found guilty. "Malema is the darling of the masses in South Africa and they know that if they cannot silence him, Zuma is not going to return as the president of South Africa and of the ANC," said Lucky Vuma, a university ANC youth league leader.
Ahead of his appearance, police beefed up security around the courthouse and police station, unfurling coils of razor wire and forcing road closures. Officers carried riot shields and deployed a water cannon on the scene. Police who had warned they would not tolerate any violence, said they had not encountered any problems.