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- EFF leader Julius Malema was found guilty of violating the Firearms Control Act following a prolonged trial over an incident at a 2018 rally.
- The conviction stems from video footage that showed Malema firing a rifle, which the defence claimed was merely a toy, at the Mdantsane event.
- Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the guilty verdict after a marathon recap of evidence, finding no bias in the testimony of state witnesses.
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has been convicted following a lengthy court battle after Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered a marathon summary of testimonies in the East London Magistrate’s Court.
The case traces back to an incident during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in July 2018. Video footage from the event captured Mr Snyman handing Mr Malema what appeared to be a rifle, which Mr Malema then allegedly fired shots into the air with.
The matter became a long-running legal affair. The two men were charged with multiple counts, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area or public place, and reckless endangerment of people or property.
Mr Malema was found guilty of charges stemming from an incident in 2018 where he was filmed allegedly discharging a rifle on stage at a political rally.
His former bodyguard and co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, was also on trial, facing charges that included the unlawful provision of a firearm. Both men were accused of violating the country’s Firearms Control Act following the incident.
In handing down her judgement, Magistrate Olivier stated that the court found no evidence of bias in the testimony provided by state witnesses.
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