Correction (September 29, 2025): An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Julius Malema and Adriaan Snyman were found guilty on Count 3 (discharging a firearm in a public space) in the East London Magistrate’s Court. As of the article’s publication, the court was still delivering its judgment, and no final verdict has been confirmed. We apologise for the error, an intern writer misinterpreted the facts and will be subjected to a disciplinary hearing. Newcastillian News apologies deeply for this inaccurate report and measures have been put in place to ensure this never happens again.
The case, stemming from a 2018 incident at an EFF rally in Mdantsane, has drawn significant attention due to its potential political and legal implications. The charges relate to an event on October 27, 2018, during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Video evidence presented in court shows Malema allegedly firing a rifle into the air while on stage, with Snyman handing him the weapon.
Both men face charges under the Firearms Control Act, including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment of persons or property.
The Case So Far
The trial, which began in 2021, has seen multiple delays, including a postponement in late 2024 due to Magistrate Twanet Olivier’s illness. Closing arguments concluded on July 21, 2025, with the court reserving judgment until today. On September 29, Malema and Snyman appeared in court as Magistrate Olivier reviewed evidence and testimonies from 19 witnesses, including ballistics experts and police officers.
The prosecution, led by Advocate Joel Cesar, alleges that Malema discharged a real firearm in a public space without valid reason, posing a danger to attendees. Malema and his defence team, represented by Advocate Laurence Hodes, maintain that the firearm was a toy or replica, incapable of firing live rounds. The defence argues that the case is politically motivated, with the EFF labelling it a “witch hunt” to discredit Malema’s leadership.
Ballistics evidence has been a focal point, with experts testifying on the nature of the firearm and the sound of the alleged discharge.
As of this afternoon, the East London Magistrate’s Court was in the process of delivering its judgment, with Magistrate Olivier summarising the evidence and legal arguments. The session, broadcast live by outlets such as SABC and Newzroom Afrika, has kept the public and political observers on edge.
A verdict—whether guilty or not guilty on the charges, particularly Count 3 (discharging a firearm in a public space)—is expected to clarify the legal outcome for Malema and Snyman.
Legal analysts suggest that the ruling could have significant consequences. A guilty verdict might lead to penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or a suspended sentence, potentially affecting Malema’s eligibility to serve in Parliament. However, no outcome has been confirmed at the time of publication.
Political Context
The case has fuelled debates about Malema’s leadership and the EFF’s role in South African politics. Supporters argue that the charges are an attempt to silence a vocal critic of the government, while critics contend that Malema’s actions at the rally were reckless and warrant accountability. The EFF has consistently framed the trial as an attack on its revolutionary agenda.
As the nation awaits the court’s decision, the outcome is likely to shape public discourse and influence the EFF’s strategy ahead of future elections.
This article was updated on September 29, 2025, to reflect the ongoing delivery of the court’s judgment and remove inaccurate references to a guilty verdict.
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