A South Africa court has turned down an application by opposition politician Julius Malema to drop corruption charges against him.

The former ANC Youth League leader has been charged with fraud, money-laundering, and racketeering.

He allegedly received some $392,000 (£240,000) from corrupt activities involving government deals - an accusation he denies.

Mr Malema is charged along with four of his business associates.

The state alleges the five misrepresented themselves in order to secure a 52m rand ($5m; £3m) government contract.

But Mr Malema's legal team say that the charges against him have no basis and are politically motivated.

Hundreds of supporters of Mr Malema's new party, Economic Freedom Fighters, gathered at the Polokwane High Court, in Limpopo for the hearing.

CEOAFRICA news gathered that the large crowd, carrying vuvuzelas (plastic horns) and clubs, chanted songs against President Jacob Zuma.

Judge Ephraim Makgoba said the case would be heard on 30 September 2014.