Bernadette Wicks18 June 2024 | 5:00

Malema and his bodyguard back in East London court over gun matter

Their trial on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening the Firearms Control Act continues in the East London Magistrates Court.

Malema and his bodyguard back in East London court over gun matter

EFF leaders Julius Malema addressed thousands of supporters at FNB stadium on 29 July 2023 as the party celebrated 10 years in existence. Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are back in the East London Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Their trial on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening the Firearms Control Act continues.

Malema is accused of firing a gun, which Snyman is accused of giving him, on stage at a rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.

Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty and claim the firearm was not real. 

The State has now wrapped up its case.
 
In 2023, the defence brought an application for a discharge, which would have seen the accused acquitted, had it been successful.
 
The court found that the State’s evidence, including CCTV footage and witnesses, was enough to warrant the continuation of the trial.
 
It resumes on Tuesday, with the defence presenting its case now and is set down to run until Thursday.