Critic of South African President charged

26/09/12 16:34 CET

world news

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ANC rebel Julius Malema has been charged by a court in South Africa with money laundering. Malema is considered President Jacob Zuma’s most vocal critic and is an advocate for mining nationalisation.

Despite the charges he was released on bail from the court in Polokwane.

Security was tight outside the courthouse in the capital of his home province of Limpopo with hundreds gathering in a show of support.

Malema has said the accusations by the South African government are politically motivated. It had been widely expected that charges of corruption and fraud would be brought against him, but that did not happen.

The 31-year-old politician was thrown out of the African National Congress in April after being accused of causing divisions within the party. His appearance in court comes just one week after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

More about: African politics, Corruption, Justice, South Africa, Trial

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