Whitney Mabiya.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema sought to have his 2018 firearm case dismissed from court, but the judge denied his request. This decision has been hailed by the civil rights organisation AfriForum.
This reportedly occurred at the EFF’s 2018 fifth anniversary festivities at Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London, Malema fired multiple bullets from a semi-automatic gun that belonged to Snyman.
At the time, the incident was well publicised after being caught on camera.
Alongside his bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, Malema made an appearance before the East London Magistrates Court on Thursday 19th October 2023.
Malema is accused with breaking three counts of the Firearms Control Act in addition to five counts of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Snyman, the owner of the firearm, ad interim is charged with one count of violating the Firearms Control Act and neglecting to take appropriate safety measures to protect the property of another person.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier noted in her ruling that the gravity of the crime was not diminished by the lack of eyewitnesses.
The decision garnered praise by Jacques Broodryk of the civil rights organisation AriForum, who brought the charges against both individuals.
“Mr Malema’s attempt to get this case thrown out of court was ludicrous to say the least. Unfortunately, Mr Malema’s legal team has resorted to using delaying tactics various times throughout this trial to a point where it’s getting absurd”, said Broodryk.
