Julius Malema found guilty on charges linked to firearm discharge case

EAST LONDON - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has suffered a blow after being found guilty on charges linked to his firearms discharge case.

The East London Magistrate’s Court handed down judgment on Wednesday morning against both Malema and his security officer, Adriaan Snyman.

The pair faced allegations of contravening the Firearms Control Act, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The matter arises 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.

While Malema has been found guilty, his security officer has been acquitted.

He was accused of handing the said firearm to the EFF leader.

Magistrate Twanet Olivier ruled that the defence failed to disprove the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.