Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been found guilty in his long-running firearm discharge case, marking a significant legal setback for the politician.
The East London Magistrate’s Court delivered its judgment on Wednesday morning, convicting Malema on charges linked to contravening the Firearms Control Act. The case stemmed from a 2018 rally in Mdantsane, where Malema was accused of firing shots into the air in front of a large crowd of EFF supporters.
Malema faced allegations of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. His co-accused, security officer Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted after being accused of handing the firearm to the EFF leader.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled that the defence failed to disprove the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The verdict is expected to have political and public implications, as Malema has repeatedly denied wrongdoing since the allegations first surfaced.
