Julius Malema's tax woes over

In a surprise turn of events, South African revenue Service (Sars) has withdrawn its sequestration application for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.

The revenue service was applying to have the political leader's sequestration declared final.

Hundreds of people gathered in the Pretoria inner city to show their support for Malema.

When Malema and his entourage returned to the court after a break, counsel for Sars told Judge Gregory Wright that they were withdrawing the application.

Malema had earlier told hundreds of cheering supporters that Sars was waging a political battle against him and that he has paid his dues.

He says the revenue service has taken everything from him.

Sars had argued that Malema did not make full disclosure of his assets and income, which is why he was slapped with additional tax and penalties.

Malema has denied he was dishonest, adding that because he has paid back the money it is now for President Jacob Zuma to do the same.

Earlier, the judge dismissed an application by the EFF to join in the application, finding that they had submitted their court papers too late.