Warrant of arrest issued for Julius Malema
The East London Magistrate's Court has issued a warrant of arrest for Economic Freedom Front (EFF) leader Julius Malema and co-accused Adriaan Snyman.
They failed to appear in court on Monday morning and the warrant will come into effect should they not attend the next hearing on 8 May.
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Malema and Tactical Security Services owner, Snyman, face possible prosecution after the EFF leader allegedly discharged a firearm in public during the party's fifth birthday celebrations in the Eastern Cape in 2018.
Snyman, who oversees Malema's security, is believed to have handed over the company firearm to Malema.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, says the warrant of arrest is standard procedure when someone fails to appear in court.
However, Tyali adds the warrant has been stayed and will only be acted upon in May, should it be necessary.
"The warrant of arrest was issued for both Mr Malema and his co-accused Mr Snyman and it will not be effected until the next appearance because the attorney made arrangements with the court explaining why Mr Malema and his co-accused are not in court," says Tyali.
Tyali says the NPA will not be able to disclose the reason for Malema's absence.