Businessman Mpho Malema has been granted R30 000 bail following his appearance in court over Emfuleni Local Municipality’s controversial R16m ghost fleet tender.

Malema appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court today (September 17) where magistrate Norman Wessels ruled that his release was in the interests of justice, reports Sedibeng Ster.

His bail comes with strict conditions. He must surrender his passport and may not leave South Africa.

Malema’s company was contracted to supply 18 vehicles to the municipality, including trucks, but allegedly delivered only seven.

He faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft.

Delivering judgment, Wessels stressed that the bail proceedings were not about determining Malema’s guilt.

“The court is not here to determine whether the accused is guilty or not guilty,” Wessels said, noting that this would be determined during the trial.

The court’s task was to establish whether releasing Malema was in the interests of justice, including whether he was likely to stand trial and could be traced.

After hearing arguments from the defence and the state, the court found that Malema qualified for bail.

His case has been postponed to September 29, when he is expected to appear alongside accused number one, Lerato Mpholo.

The investigation into the alleged ghost fleet tender was initially sparked by the murder of Martha Rantsofu in March.

Gauteng Political Killings Task Team spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe previously confirmed that cases being investigated by the task team were linked to Rantsofu’s murder.

Malema’s arrest followed that of Emfuleni’s former fleet manager, who has also been granted bail in connection with the investigation.

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