Judgment expected in Malema's firearm discharge case

The East London Magistrate’s Court is set to deliver judgment on Monday morning in the long-running firearms discharge trial of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. 

Malema and his personal protector, Adriaan Snyman, face charges of contravening the Firearms Control Act, including the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The charges stem from an incident seven years ago at the EFF's 5th birthday rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. 

During the rally, a video captured the moment Malema allegedly fired a rifle near a large crowd. Snyman is accused of handing the weapon to Malema immediately before the alleged discharge.

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In court, Malema pleaded not guilty, arguing that the item in question was a fake firearm and contained no live ammunition. He told the court that any object lacking live rounds cannot be considered a firearm, and thus, he had not breached the Firearms Control Act.

The EFF leader further testified that no one at the rally appeared concerned about the firearm, which he claimed served as proof that the weapon was a prop.

The East London Magistrate's Court will deliver its long-awaited judgment on the matter on Monday morning.