Overview
- Magistrate Twanet Olivier has spent two days recapping evidence and will resume delivering judgment on Wednesday in East London.
- Julius Malema and former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman face charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment.
- The case arises from a July 2018 EFF anniversary rally in Mdantsane, where video showed Malema on stage holding what appeared to be a rifle and firing into the air.
- The defence says the gun was a prop loaded with blanks and notes no attendees reported live fire, while the state alleges recklessness and points to a witness who said she found an empty cartridge.
- AfriForum initiated the complaint in 2018, and a conviction on the most serious count could carry a sentence of up to 15 years.