Picture: for illustration purposes
The East London Magistrate’s Court is poised to deliver the long-anticipated judgement in the gun charges case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema on Thursday. The charges also implicate his bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who is facing two charges in connection to the Firearms Control Act.
Malema is facing a quintet of charges which include the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, the reckless endangering of life or property and discharging a firearm in a public or densely populated area. Both Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against them.
The case against Malema and Snyman traces its origins back to 2018, where video footage surfaced displaying Malema seemingly firing an automatic weapon at the EFF’s fifth birthday celebration at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane. The veracity of the video recording has been a bone of contention throughout the trial.
Presiding Magistrate Twanett Olivier is scheduled to deliver the court's ruling on whether the charges against the Malema and Snyman will be dismissed due to insubstantial evidence.
During the previous hearing, Advocate Laurance Hodes, representing Malema, filed for a Section 174 application, echoing his client's claim to innocence.
Last month, Malema erupted during court proceedings, displaying his disdain for perceived tardiness by Magistrate Olivier. The controversial leader affirmed that their time in court should be respected, even if that means facing prison.