Judge George Mothle said the case had dragged on for too long and that not enough evidence has been brought against Malema to justify the continued court appearances.
A South African court has thrown out fraud and corruption charges against opposition leader Julius Malema. The judge ruled that the lengthy hours Malema had to endure in court would only lead to more postponements, so he dismissed the case.
In 2012, Malema was charged with money laundering, racketeering, and corruption related to a government contract worth 4 million US dollars.
Malema formed the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party in 2013 following his dismissal from the governing African National Congress (ANC). He has been one of the biggest critics of President Jacob Zuma’s corrupt administration.
Experts say that the ruling is a very big development for Malema’s career. The judgement, in many opinions, paints Malema as a victim of abuse from the ruling ANC powers.
Judge George Mothle said the case had dragged on for too long and that not enough evidence has been brought against Malema to justify the continued court appearances.
"For now, the case is over, you are free to go," the judge told Mr. Malema.
The case has not been formally acquitted, so prosecutors can sue Malema for the same charge again.
This is not Malema’s first brush with the law, the first was a tax evasion case which was withdrawn, and now a corruption case which has been thrown out.