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Julius Malema has asked that his supporters stand down from tomorrow and allow him to go it alone.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader’s remarks came after the court proceedings were adjourned this morning in the Polokwane High Court.
The defence for accused number five, Kagisho Dichabe, informed the judge today that he had been hospitalised for some time and would not be available to appear before court.
The court will now decide tomorrow morning on whether or not to postpone the trial again or to opt for a separation of trial.
“The decision to postpone is for the state to discuss with the possibility of a separation of trial. Then it would be possible to move ahead with the trial without accused number five. So accused number five will stand trial alone.
“If that arrangement is agreed upon, he will stand trial alone. It is always allowed, depending on the impact of the state case. You can separate the charges and proceed with the rest,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku.
Speaking to the hundreds of supporters – many of whom had gathered last night ready – Malema thanked them for their support and prayers.
He said that it was not fair that the work of the party should be put on hold while his fate was decided. He said he had been calling for his day in court and was going to stay in Polokwane for as long as it took for his name to be cleared.
In the meantime he called for his supporters and members of Parliament to continue with the work of the party as they prepared for local government elections next year.
Court will resume at 10am tomorrow.
