Regulator probing Malema's security

The Private Security Industry Regulating Authority (PSiRA) has confirmed it's investigating a case against Adriaan Snyman, the owner of a security firm providing services to the EFF leader Julius Malema.

It relates to an incident during the EFF's 5th birthday celebrations in the Eastern Cape.

Footage has surfaced of Malema being handed the weapon by a security official after which he fired a number of rounds into the air.

The EFF claims it was not a genuine firearm that was used, with party spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi referring to it as a toy.

Lobby group Afriforum laid a complaint with the regulator over the ownership of the alleged weapon.

While PSiRA says it is not aware of the complaint, it launched an investigation after learning of the incident through media reports.

PSiRA COO Stefan Badenhorst explains their investigation aims to determine whether the Firearms Control Act was contravened.

Should Snyman be found guilty, PSiRA could "suspend their registration pending the outcome of such an investigation by the South African police service".

Badenhorst further explains in case of a conviction, Snyman could lose his license to provide security services for a period of 10 years.

Police has also confirmed it is investigating a case of discharging a firearm in a populated area against Malema.

Meanwhile a weapons expert has meanwhile told Jacarandafm he believes Malema fired an actual weapon due to a number of reasons, among them, the recoil and sound of the shots.

"I'm quite convinced it was a real gun," former chairperson of the Arms and Ammunition Dealers Association Andrew Soutar told the Scenic Drive on Thursday. "It appears to be a US M4 or one of their derivatives."