Judgment in Julius Malema Firearm Discharge Case Postponed to Tomorrow Amid Marathon Ruling
In a tense day at the East London Regional Court, the judgment in the high-profile firearm discharge case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman has been put on hold until tomorrow. The magistrate started reading the lengthy ruling on Monday, 29 September 2025, but could not wrap it up, leading to an adjournment. Malema’s bail has been extended, and he must show up in court again on Tuesday morning. This delay has kept supporters and critics on edge, as the case—stemming from a 2018 rally incident—drags on after years of legal back-and-forth. For many South Africans, it spotlights questions of accountability for public figures and gun laws in a country grappling with violence.
The trial, which kicked off in 2021, has drawn massive attention due to Malema’s role as a fiery opposition voice. As head of the EFF since 2013, he’s built a following with calls for land reform and economic change, but this case has cast a shadow over his image. With the ruling now split over two days, families, party members, and legal watchers are left waiting for a verdict that could bring up to 15 years behind bars if guilty. This article looks at the day’s events, the case’s roots, key evidence and arguments, reactions from those involved, and what might come next.
Courtroom Drama: Why the Judgment Stretched into Tomorrow
The East London court buzzed with tension as Magistrate Twanet Olivier began delivering her judgment on Monday morning. Dressed in his trademark red EFF beret, Malema sat quietly with Snyman as the magistrate went through stacks of evidence and arguments. But after hours of reading, she called it a day, saying the ruling was too long to finish in one go. The case was pushed to Tuesday, 30 September 2025, starting at 9am.
This isn’t the first hold-up—the trial has seen many, from witness no-shows to health issues. In July 2025, the state wrapped its case after calling experts and cops. The defence then pushed for a discharge, saying there was no solid proof, but the court ruled there was a case to answer. Closing arguments came in August, setting up this judgment date. Now, with the extra day, Malema stays on bail under strict terms, like no new crimes and handing over his passport.
Outside court, EFF backers in red shirts chanted songs of support, showing the party’s solid base. Malema, known for his bold speeches, kept mum as he left, but his team has always called the charges a political witch-hunt.
The Incident: What Sparked the Charges Back in 2018
The case goes back to 27 July 2018, during the EFF’s fifth birthday bash at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. A huge crowd gathered for speeches, music, and celebrations, but things turned when a video popped up online. It showed Malema on stage, grabbing what looked like a rifle from Snyman and firing shots into the air. The clip went viral, drawing outrage from gun control groups and praise from some fans who saw it as a show of strength.
Cops soon probed, charging Malema with four counts under the Firearms Control Act: unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area or public place, and reckless endangerment to person or property. Snyman faced two: unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Both pleaded not guilty, saying the gun fired blanks or was a toy, not a real threat.
The rally drew thousands, marking the EFF’s growth from a new party to a major force with over a million votes in 2019 polls. But the gun moment shifted focus, with critics saying it promoted violence in a land with high crime rates.
Key Evidence: Ballistics, Witnesses, and Defence Claims
Over the trial’s four years, the state called firearm experts, cops who probed the scene, and video analysts. One expert said the footage showed a real gun, likely an assault rifle, with live rounds based on recoil and sound. Witnesses from the rally described hearing bangs and seeing flashes, though no one got hurt. The state argued this broke strict gun laws meant to curb public shootings.
The defence hit back hard. Malema’s lawyers brought their own experts, who said the video could show blanks or a prop gun used for show. They pointed out no shell casings were found at the stadium, and no one reported injuries. Malema testified it was all staged for fun, part of the party’s lively style, and no harm came. Snyman backed this, saying as a licensed guard, he only carried safe items.
Cross-exams got heated, with questions on why cops took months to charge and if politics played a role. The defence claimed selective prosecution, noting other public figures with guns faced no heat. In closing, the state pushed for guilty verdicts to set an example, while the defence called for acquittal, saying proof fell short.
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