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By Rorisang Kgosana

2 minute read

19 Apr 2018

09:47 am

AfriForum to privately prosecute Malema on charges of corruption and fraud

Nel says he will privately prosecute Malema should the NPA decide to not reinstate the case against him and his co-accused.

AfriForum’s private prosecution head Advocate Gerrie Nel is seen during a press briefing at Afriforum’s head office where he announced that they intend to privately prosecute Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema on charges of fraud and corruption, 19 April 2018, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles

Civil rights union AfriForum announced they would privately prosecute EFF leader Julius Malema for fraud and tender corruption charges.

Head of AfriForum’s private prosecuting unit Advocate Gerrie Nel announced on Thursday that they have written a letter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to reinstate the charges against Malema, which were struck off the roll in August 2015.

The charges come after alleged corruption activity of a company, On-Point Engineering in Limpopo, which Malema’s family trust has interest in.

On-Point Engineering was appointed in 2009 by the Limpopo department of roads and transport for infrastructure development, but allegedly received bribes from successful tenderers.

“Because of the NPA’s failure to act further, on 19 March 2018, AfriForum sent a letter to the NPA in which it demanded the reinstatement of the prosecution. In reaction hereto, the NPA informed AfriForum in writing that the reinstatement of the charges against Malema is currently being considered and that a final decision will be taken by August 2018,” Nel said.

Nel said they would privately prosecute the EFF leader should the NPA decide not to reinstate the case against Malema, and his co-accused Kagiso Dichabe and Lesiba Gwangwa.

In 2012, former public protector Thuli Madonsela stated in a report, which was compiled after receiving complaints about Malema’s involvement, that the EFF leader improperly benefited from the contract.

But the matter was struck off the roll of the Polokwane High Court after one of Malema’s co-accused, Dichabe, fell ill and was not fit to stand trial.

“Tenders that were won went back into the account of Malema’s family trust. We think it’s a strong case to prosecute, and it is ludicrous that the NPA, two years and eight months later since it was struck, that it is not going ahead, and we believe it is time we intervene and make sure he is brought to book,” AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said.

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