EFF leader Malema to face cross-examination in his firearm discharge trial
Julius Malema is accused of firing a gun on-stage at a rally at a stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
EFF leader Julius Malema giving testimony in the East London Magistrates Court on 19 June 2024 about the alleged toy gun that he used at the party's fifth Anniversary Celebrations in 2018. Picture: X/EFFSouthAfrica
JOHANNESBURG - Economics Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is set to return to the stand in the East London Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
Malema is accused of firing a gun on-stage at a rally at a stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
ALSO READ: Malema insists State has no case in firearm discharge trial
Security official Adriaan Snyman, who is accused of giving him the alleged weapon, is also in the dock alongside him.
The pair face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening the Firearms Control Act.
Malema took the stand on Wednesday to testify in his defence.
The defence claimed that the so-called weapon was in fact a toy and on the stand, with Malema maintaining his innocence, reiterating that the alleged firearm was not real and that it was all part of an “act” and intended as entertainment.
“I’ve never used any firearm. I’ve never had any ammunition on that day.”
Malema has also slammed the case against him, insisting there is none, and suggested that there’s racism at play.
He wrapped up his evidence-in-chief on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday he will return to the stand to face cross-examination.
The drawn-out trial, which got underway in 2022, does now appear to be drawing to a close, with the State and Snyman’s legal team now having closed their cases.
How many witnesses Malema’s lawyers intend calling, though, remains to be seen.