South Africa's Julius Malema in Limpopo court

He is accused of abusing his former position as head of the ruling African National Congress' Youth League.
Mr Malema's supporters say the charges are politically motivated, as he has been a vocal opponent of President Jacob Zuma.
Police have closed roads and increased security around the court in Polokwane, capital of his home state Limpopo.
Fiery rhetoric Julius Malema and his business associates are accused of profiting from government contracts in Limpopo, an accusation which he strongly denies.
The 31-year-old politician is also the subject of a separate tax investigation.

He is well-known in South Africa for his fiery populist rhetoric and lavish lifestyle, describing himself as an economic freedom fighter.

Mr Malema was thrown out of the ANC in April, accused of sowing divisions in the party.
He is a fierce critic of his former ally, Jacob Zuma, recently attacking the president over his handling of the Marikana miners' strikes.
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Who is Julius Malema?

• Born 3 March 1981 in Limpopo province
• Mother was domestic worker and single parent
• Joined ANC aged nine and elected leader of its youth wing in April 2008
• Convicted of hate speech in March 2010 and September 2011
• Expelled from ANC in April 2012 for sowing divisions in party
• Toured mines following the shooting of 34 miners in Marikana by police in August 2012, urging workers to make the sector "ungovernable"