Expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema was granted bail of R10,000 by the Polokwane Regional Court on Wednesday.
Malema was officially charged with money-laundering, for allegedly “receiving proceeds from unlawful activities”.
The affidavit he made in support of his application for bail was not read out in court. The case was postponed to November 30.
Malema appeared with his business partner and co-accused Selbie Manthatha.
An affidavit by Manthatha was read to the court by his counsel. It detailed his family life, his business and his assets.
Before Malema’s affidavit could be read, the court adjourned for five minutes.
When the case reconvened, bail was immediately granted to both of them.
Hawks’ spokesman McIntosh Polela said the charge against Malema should not be taken lightly.
“Money-laundering is not a frivolous charge, and it can incur a sentence of 15 years.”
He said there had been a lot of speculation in the media of more charges being brought against Malema, but this was not true.
Polela would not comment on the trial, and said he would prefer the case to be allowed to run its course.
Supporters clung to the gates outside the court waiting for feedback on the decision about Malema’s bail.
Hearing that it had been granted, they broke into song and dance.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said no incidents of violence were reported.
“The crowd is very orderly and I hope it will remain smooth like this throughout the day.”
The crowd outside had swelled to nearly 1000 people in anticipation of an address by Malema.
Supporters of Malema welcomed him into the court on Wednesday with song and dance.
Malema’s family and supporters stood up in court and sang loudly when he entered the dock.
They sang: “Asani mahloni” [We are not ashamed]. Court officials did not stop the singing.
Suspended African National Congress Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu, suspended secretary general Sindiso Magaqa and senior ANCYL members joined the dancing.
Earlier, journalists, photographers and television camera crews were kicked out of the court.
Despite applications by certain media houses to be allowed into the court, reporters were removed by officials who insisted the applications were for individuals and not crews.
Pandemonium broke out when the journalists were forcibly removed. One was dragged out by two security guards.
eNews Channel Africa reporter Karyn Maughan collapsed outside the court.
Riot police were deployed inside the court to keep order.
Some journalists were later allowed back inside.
Supporters outside the court were adamant that Malema had done nothing wrong.
“There is nothing wrong [with what]… our leader did. If he did anything wrong why [is this case happening] now?” asked a supporter.
“It is because we are going to Mangaung. This is just a plan to sabotage our leader.”
Thulani Motsepe, 23, from Germiston said he took a taxi to Polokwane on Tuesday because he felt he needed to show the world that Malema was innocent.
Malema’s supporters believed their presence would have an impact on the charges against him.
“I came all the way from the inner city branch in Johannesburg, just to prove that there is no case against my leader,” said 27-year-old Xolelwa Ngele.
A placard carried by supporters read: “hands-off our leader, he did nothing wrong”.
When Malema arrived at the court, some of his supporters ran towards the court fence, jostling to get a glimpse of him.
Lethabo Mandela, 57, from Seshego joined the crowed in song and dance. She said she was prepared to die for Malema.
“Julius, I love you and I will support you until I die. I’m prepared to die for you. Police can come and kill me,” said Mandela, who joined the ANC in 1984.
She said charges against Malema should be dropped, like the corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma.
“If they can do it to Zuma they must also do it with Julius.”
The crowd sang songs in favour of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, while mocking Zuma.
Nearly 600 supporters gathered outside the court.
Roads leading to the court were closed on Wednesday and police were monitoring the situation.
There was barbed wire outside the court and police Nyalas were positioned in various places surrounding the court.
Hundreds of Malema supporters sang and danced outside the courthouse. The crowd was expected to swell as the day progressed.
Others sat on the pavement, and leaned against the walls after participating in a night vigil for Malema on Tuesday.
Provincial ANCYL spokesman Klaas Mabunda claimed the crowd numbered 14,000 at 3am.
“Most of them are not here now. They have gone to town to get food because they are hungry.”
Malema is accused of money-laundering. The charge sheet lists him as accused number 10.
On Tuesday, four of his co-accused appeared in court and were granted bail of R40,000 each.
They are accused of fraud, corruption and money-laundering, relating to a R52 million tender awarded to On-Point Engineers. Four companies were also charged.
Malema handed himself over to the Polokwane police on Wednesday morning, before his court appearance, reported SABC. – Sapa