South African Julius Malema’s Case Thrown Out

A court in South Africa has thrown out fraud charges against left-wing opposition leader, Julius Malema.

The judge ruled that the case should be “struck off” because of lengthy delays in bringing the accused to trial.

Mr Malema was charged in 2012 with money laundering, racketeering and corruption, related to a government contract worth four million Dollars.

He denied the charges, saying they were politically motivated.

The charges include fraud, corruption, racketeering and money-laundering. If convicted, Malema could have spent a maximum of 15 years in prison, paid a large fine and would lose his seat in parliament.

Mr Malema and his supporters have repeatedly dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, saying his prosecution is a punishment for accusing President Jacob Zuma of corruption.

The trial, which was supposed to begin on Monday after being adjourned in September last year, was again postponed until Tuesday because one of Malema’s four associates was too ill to appear at the court.

In August last year, Malema led “pay back the money” chants against Zuma, triggering scuffles in parliament.