Verdict Looms for Julius Malema in 2018 EFF Rally Firearm Case

Malema Faces Verdict in 2018 Gun Case

All eyes are on the East London Magistrate’s Court this Monday as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema awaits the verdict in a case that has captured national attention for years. The trial, which revolves around a 2018 rally incident in Mdantsane, could see Malema facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Malema and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are accused of discharging a firearm during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebration at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in July 2018. A video from the event appears to show Malema holding a rifle and firing it into the air while on stage, prompting the state to argue that his actions were reckless and endangered lives.

Prop Gun or Real Threat?

The defense contends that the firearm in question was merely a prop shooting blanks. No witnesses have stepped forward to claim they saw bullets being fired, a point repeatedly emphasised by defense Advocate Shane Matthews.

“What is remarkable is that out of the estimated 30,000 people who attended the event, not one individual has come forward to testify or lodge a complaint about the firearm incident,” Matthews said during closing arguments.

The state, however, insists that the video footage, the spent cartridges recovered from the scene, and the crowd’s reaction provide enough evidence to prove that a real firearm was discharged.

Charges and Courtroom Drama

Malema and Snyman face multiple charges, including:

• Illegal possession of firearms

• Contravention of the Firearms Control Act

• Illegal possession of ammunition

• Reckless endangerment of persons or property

The trial has been fraught with delays, partly due to debates over the admissibility and reliability of the rally video. Closing arguments were finally heard on 21 July 2025, bringing the long-running legal battle to its climax.

Public and Political Reactions

Social media has been alight with speculation, commentary, and political debate as the verdict day approaches. Supporters of Malema argue that the case has been overblown and politically motivated, while critics stress the potential danger posed by discharging firearms at a crowded public event.

Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the trial could have ripple effects beyond the courtroom, potentially impacting Malema’s public image and the EFF’s political capital ahead of upcoming elections.

The court’s decision could either conclude a chapter that has spanned nearly seven years or extend the saga further if appeals follow. Either way, Monday promises a dramatic day in East London, as South Africans across the nation await the ruling in one of the most high-profile firearm trials in recent memory.

{Source: The Citizen}

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