Malema, Snyman firearm case postponed to January
The matter was adjourned to 23 January 2025 after the state concluded its closing arguments in the East London District Court.
The lawyer for accused number one, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, was unable to complete his closing arguments by close of business on Monday.
Malema was flanked by EFF leaders including treasurer-general Omphile Maotwe, secretary-general Marshall Dlamini, and national chairperson Veronica Mente, who came out to support him.
In an interview with the SABC, before the proceedings, Moatwe said they were confident Malema would emerge victorious.
“There’s no case against the president, that’s why even in the past we applied for a discharge. The magistrate said there was a case to answer, and the president took the platform and answered everything.
“Nothing points to that toy gun being an actual gun. Even everything that they brought in defense couldn’t match what we brought. So, we’re confident that the case is going to be in our favour.”
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— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) December 9, 2024
The EFF Treasurer General, Omphile Maotwe in conversation with SABC News outside the East London Magistrate’s Court earlier.
We are confident that the case is going to be in our favour.#HandsOffCIC pic.twitter.com/Tdhqva3AHn
Malema stands accused of firing a gun with live ammunition at the EFF’s anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018.
Malema, alongside co-accused Adriaan Snyman, has pleaded not guilty to several charges under the Firearms Control Act.
Last year, the prosecution closed its case, having led the evidence of 19 witnesses.
Malema and Snyman subsequently applied for a discharge, which was dismissed by the court.
Since June, the defence led the evidence of two expert witnesses in firearms control and forensic ballistics for Snyman.
Malema took the stand in his defence, saying the state had failed to prove he had handled a gun with live rounds.
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