Malema’s assets sold at auction

Belongings seized to pay off R16m tax bill

DISGRACED former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema’s belongings went to new homes yesterday, with bidders forking out R9 300 for a Euro grand piano, and R8 800 for a Pioneer CD player.

Yesterday’s auction in Polokwane comes after Sars confirmed to Weekend Argus earlier this month that the Gauteng North High Court had, in December, granted them an order to attach his assets.

Sars spokesman Adrian Lackay confirmed at the beginning of the month that they had instructed the sheriffs to take all Malema’s assets, and this had taken place during the previous two weeks.

Ironically, among the potential bidders, who pushed and shoved unceremoniously in an attempt to get a better look at what was on offer, was Malema’s former bodyguard and archrival, Boy Mamabola, who arrived early.

Also there was another of Malema’s former bodyguards, Jimmy Oliphant.

Three police vehicles were parked outside the venue.

Malema’s attorneys, who this week cut ties with him, had been instructed to file papers in North Gauteng High Court opposing the application.

Malema had until February 18 to notify Sars about whether he intended opposing it, but failed to do so.

He owes Sars a R16 million.

Oliphant bought the Pioneer CD player. He said he was happy because he could now listen to music.

Mamabola bought a gold framed mirror for R300.

“I’m helping Sars to collect what belongs to them, not Julius to repay his tax debts,” he said afterwards.

“This boy owes Sars, and that is the only way he can give Sars its money back.”

He added that he had asked Malema for the mirror many times before, and that Malema had been promising it to him since 2009.

Mamabola said he was disappointed because some of the items were bought by Malema’s known friends, who would probably just return the items to him.

Deputy Sheriff Jannie Nel refused to disclose the total amount raised during yesterday’s auction, but the Saturday Star learnt from a source that the sum was between R30 000 and R50 000.

Malema still faces criminal charges of money laundering and racketeering.

He is due to appear in court on April 23.

hefty

PICTURE: GCINA NDWALANE ALL READY: Dave Bufton, left, and Steve Kristy prepare for a good night’s sleep before they and Alf Kippen, centre, leave for Cape Town on their ride to lobby for a law to ensure motorists give cyclists a 1.5m berth on the roads.