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Julius Malema Awaits Judgment in Long-Running Firearm Case
Courtroom tension in East London
EFF leader Julius Malema was back in the dock at the East London Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday as judgment resumed in his protracted firearm discharge case. The courtroom was once again filled with the red-shirted supporters who had become a fixture at his legal battles, quietly watching as proceedings unfolded.
On Monday, Magistrate Twanet Olivier began delivering her judgment, carefully working through the evidence piece by piece. But as the afternoon wore on, time ran out, and she postponed her ruling to Tuesday, leaving Malema and his supporters waiting for clarity.
The rally that sparked it all
The charges stem from an incident at the EFF’s fifth birthday rally in Mdantsane in July 2018. Video footage captured what appeared to be Malema’s then-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, handing him a rifle at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Malema was then allegedly seen firing the gun into the air as the stadium was packed with supporters.
Both men were later charged under the Firearms Control Act. The state argued that the alleged gunfire recklessly endangered thousands of lives, while the defence maintained the firearm was nothing more than a prop loaded with blanks.
A legal battle drawn out for years
Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty from the outset. They previously applied to have the charges thrown out, but the court dismissed the bid, allowing the trial to proceed.
Seven years later, the case has become a symbol of the long tail of South African courtroom battles, with every appearance drawing significant media coverage and public interest.
Political and public reaction
For Malema’s supporters, his presence in court is framed as a test of political will as much as a legal one. Crowds in red shirts often accompany him, reflecting the loyalty that has defined his career. Critics, on the other hand, see the case as a test of accountability for a high-profile political leader.
On social media, reactions to the proceedings are sharply divided. Some insist the trial is politically motivated, while others argue that no one, regardless of their status, should be exempt from the law when firearms are involved.
What lies ahead
The court’s judgment will determine not just Malema and Snyman’s legal fate but also how the case resonates in the broader political climate. The allegations, tied to a rally meant to celebrate the EFF’s rise, have now become part of the party’s contested history.
As the magistrate continues to deliver her verdict, the spotlight on East London remains intense. For Malema, the outcome could carry both legal and political weight in equal measure.
Also read: Former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa Found Dead in Paris After Reported Fall
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: EWN
