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Polokwane - EFF leader Julius Malema's aunts are praying for him, they told reporters outside the High Court in Polokwane on Tuesday morning.
"We are not afraid, he has never stolen or killed. We are ready for any action [the court takes] but we are not afraid or worried," one of his aunts, Annie Phaleng, said.
His other aunt, Nurse Malema, said they were keeping him in their prayers.
"We have been continuing with our prayers all the time. We aren't worried, we are free. We are ready for anything," she said.
"According to us, this case needs to end. We live with God at all times, we are constantly praying," she added.
Charges of fraud
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader and his co-accused, On-Point Engineering directors Kagisho Dichabe and Lesiba Gwangwa, are facing charges of racketeering, fraud, corruption and money-laundering.
According to court papers, Malema allegedly had business ties with Gwangwa. Malema's Ratanang Family Trust is an indirect shareholder in On-Point Engineering.
The State alleges that Malema and his co-accused misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to a R52 million contract being awarded to On-Point Engineering.
It was alleged that Malema used some of the money to buy a farm and a Mercedes-Benz.
All three are out on bail.
While the trial was scheduled to start on Monday, it was postponed after Dichabe's lawyer said he was ill and in hospital.
The court was expected to rule whether the trial would proceed and Dichabe would be tried separately, a move that Malema strongly called for.
"Let me have my day in court. Let me speak for myself. Let my side of the story be heard... I'm not scared," he told his supporters outside the court on Monday.
He maintained that he was innocent.
