Malema
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has thanked his loyal supporters after another long day in court ended without a verdict. The East London Magistrate’s Court adjourned proceedings late on Tuesday, leaving everyone waiting for the final decision in this drawn-out firearm case. Malema, who has spent two full days listening to a detailed recap of the trial, will return on Wednesday morning as Magistrate Twanet Olivier continues her careful review. This case, which has gripped the nation for years, stems from a dramatic moment at a 2018 rally, and it could have big consequences for Malema’s future if things go against him.
Court Proceedings Drag On with Detailed Recap
The courtroom has been packed with tension over the past two days as Magistrate Twanet Olivier went through every bit of evidence and testimony from the trial. She spent hours recapping what witnesses said, including reports from police experts who looked at video footage from the event. Olivier made it clear that this step-by-step breakdown is meant to give Malema and everyone else a full understanding of how the court came to its decision. “The court has a duty to explain step by step how it reaches its ruling,” she said during the session.
But the process took longer than expected, and by the end of Tuesday, there was still more ground to cover. The magistrate had to adjourn the matter again, pushing the judgment to Wednesday. This has left many frustrated, including EFF members who feel the wait is dragging on too long. Outside the court, red-beret-wearing supporters gathered in large numbers, singing songs and showing their backing for their leader. EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini spoke to the crowd, voicing their shared annoyance: “The judge must just deliver the judgment instead of telling us everything that happened during the trial. We’re tired of being in court. We wasted the entire day listening to the recap.”
Malema himself stayed calm inside the courtroom, sitting quietly next to his co-accused, Adriaan Snyman. But once the session wrapped up, he took a moment to thank his followers for standing by him through the tough times. This show of gratitude came as a boost to the crowd, who have been turning up in droves to support him.
Charges and Allegations from the 2018 Rally
Malema and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are facing serious charges under the Firearms Control Act. These include unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, and reckless endangerment to the public. The trouble started back in 2018 at the EFF’s fifth birthday rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. A video that went viral showed Snyman handing Malema what looked like a rifle on stage at Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Malema then appeared to fire shots into the air, right in front of thousands of cheering supporters.
The state says this was a real gun with live rounds, putting people’s lives at risk in such a crowded spot. Prosecutors brought in ballistics experts who tested similar weapons and analysed the footage frame by frame. They argued that the flash and sound in the video point to actual gunfire, not blanks or a fake. One key witness from the police facial identification unit even matched faces in the clip to confirm who was involved.
On the other hand, Malema and his defence team insist it was just a toy gun with no real ammo. They called their own experts who said the video could show fireworks or a prop meant for show. Malema has always called the whole case a political attack aimed at damaging his reputation and the EFF’s work. Both men have pleaded not guilty and have been out on bail since the charges were laid seven years ago.
Potential Outcomes and Wider Impact
If found guilty, Malema could face up to 15 years behind bars, depending on the charges that stick. Even a sentence of more than 12 months without the option of a fine could bar him from serving in Parliament, which would be a huge blow to his political career. The EFF has grown under his leadership into a major force pushing for land reform, economic change, and fighting inequality. A conviction might shake the party’s standing, especially with elections always on the horizon.
But for now, the focus is on wrapping up this judgment. The trial has already seen many twists, including debates over evidence and witness credibility. Supporters hope for a quick not-guilty verdict, while critics want to see accountability for what they call reckless behaviour. The case has also sparked wider talks about gun laws in South Africa, with some pointing out how strict rules are meant to keep crowds safe at big events.
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