South African political activist Julius Malema was free on bail late Wednesday after being arrested on money-laundering charges earlier in the day.
The former African National Congress Youth Leader posted bail of $1,215 at the Polokwane Regional Court after being formally charged for allegedly “receiving proceeds from unlawful activities.”
He will return to court November 30.
Malema immediately lashed out against government following his release, saying the charges against him were politically motivated by South African President Jacob Zuma.
Malema had appeared in court with his business partner and co-accused Selbie Manthatha.
An affidavit by Manthatha was read to the court by his counsel. It detailed his family life, his business and his assets.
The court adjourned for five minutes before Malema’s affidavit could be read. When the case reconvened, bail was immediately granted to both men.
Hawks’ spokesman McIntosh Polela said the charge against Malema should not be taken lightly.
“Money-laundering is not a frivolous charge, and it can incur a sentence of 15 years.”
Polela would not comment on the trial, saying that he preferred the case to be allowed to run its course.
Meanwhile, supporters had already begun clinging to the gates outside the court waiting for feedback on the decision about Malema’s bail.
The crowd of nearly 1,000 people had gathered in anticipation of his release and broke into song and dance upon hearing confirmation.
Prosecutors have accused Malema of unlawfully benefiting from proceeds generated by companies he had shares in. The 31-year-old was thrown out of the ruling African National Congress earlier this year after being accused of sowing dissension within the party. He has denied the allegation.
Crimes in South Africa are categorized between schedule one and schedule five, the latter being the most serious. His alleged crime falls under schedule one, according to his lawyers.
Once a major ally, Malema is now one of Zuma’s fiercest critics. His populist rhetoric has made him a controversial figure in the nation and sparked outrage in the ruling party.
His supporters have said he is being persecuted for challenging Zuma’s leadership before a December vote for head of the powerful ruling party.
Malema’s brash, populist message resonates with some of the nation’s many young and disenfranchised, many of whom took to the streets in protest when he was ousted from the ANC.
Malema has accused the Zuma administration of intolerance and failure to improve the lives of the poor.
He’s also called for nationwide strikes in the mining industry, much to the dismay politicians trying to quell labor discontent among workers.
Malema’s calls came after police killed 34 striking mine workers in August during the miners’ labor protests to demand higher pay. The killings – one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence since the end of apartheid – sparked a firestorm in the nation.
