The case is being heard in the high court building, because the magistrate’s court was gutted by fire last year.

Malema is accused of making nearly R4 million from corrupt activities. He is out on bail of R10,000 and faces charges of fraud, corruption, money-laundering, and racketeering.

His co-accused are his business associates Kagisho Dichabe, Lesiba Gwangwa, Helen Moreroa and Makgetsi Manthata, who are out on bail of R40,000 each.

The State alleged they misrepresented themselves to the Limpopo roads and transport department, leading to the awarding of a R52m contract to On-Point Engineering.

According to court papers, Malema had business ties with Gwangwa, a director of On-Point Engineering. Malema’s Ratanang Family Trust was an indirect shareholder in On-Point.

The department paid the company R43m. According to the charge sheet, Malema substantially benefited from this payment, using it to buy a multi-million rand farm and a Mercedes-Benz.

Malema allegedly did this knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of crime.

All four have proclaimed their innocence.