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ANC outcast Julius Malema was to appear in a South Africa court early Friday to answer charges of fraud and money laundering, in what is a highly political charged case.
Malema was set to appear before Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, accused of using his political clout to win public contracts through a complex pyramid of companies.
Malema, and his associates, are accused of lying and influence peddling to win an infrastructure contract worth 52 million rand ($6.3 million, 4.9 million euros.)
The fallen star of the ruling African National Congress has alleged he is being prosecuted as punishment for a high-profile dispute with President Jacob Zuma, his one-time ally.
The charge could result in up to 15 years in prison and a large fine.
At a hearing in September Malema was released on bail of 10,000 rand (945 euros, $1,215).