Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been found guilty of violating the Firearms Control Act after discharging a firearm at a public rally in 2018.
The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Twanet Olivier at the East London Magistrate’s Court following a protracted trial.
The incident occurred during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebration at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where video evidence captured Malema receiving what appeared to be a rifle from his then-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, and firing it into the air amid a cheering crowd.
Malema’s defense claimed the gun was a toy used for theatrical purposes, but the court rejected this, citing compelling visual evidence and consistent witness testimonies that confirmed the prosecution’s case beyond reasonable doubt.
Magistrate Olivier underscored the reliability of the state’s witnesses, dismissing allegations of bias. Snyman, charged alongside Malema, faces additional counts for unlawfully supplying the firearm and possessing a firearm and ammunition without a license.
The conviction marks the end of a high-profile legal saga that has drawn significant attention in South Africa and beyond. Sentencing is expected to be announced soon.
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