Julius Malema and ex-bodyguard await verdict in 2018 EFF rally gun case
All eyes will be on the East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday when EFF leader Julius Malema learns his fate in his long-running firearm trial.
And if found guilty, Malema could face up to 15 years in prison.
Malema and his ex-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are accused of breaking the law by firing a gun during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebration at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in July 2018.
A video from the rally showed Malema holding what looked like a rifle and firing it into the air while on stage.
The state said it was reckless and endangered lives.
Malema and Snyman, however, claimed it was only a prop gun firing blanks.
Both face charges of illegal possession of firearms, contravention of the firearms control act, the illegal possession of ammunition, and reckless endangerment to persons or property.
The case reached its climax on July 21, 2025, when closing arguments were heard.
The case has been marred by years of delays and arguments over whether the video can be trusted.
Malema’s lawyers argued that no witnesses came forward to say they saw bullets fired.
“What is remarkable is that out of the estimated 30,000 people who attended the event, not one individual has come forward to testify or lodge a complaint about the firearm incident,” defense Advocate Shane Matthews said.
It is the state’s case that the video, spent cartridges, and the reaction of the crowd proved otherwise.
IOL News