The trial concerning the firearm discharge by Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and his bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, is currently taking place at the East London Magistrate’s Court. Malema is accused of discharging a rifle in front of a crowd in Mdantsane in July 2018, while Snyman is accused of providing the semi-automatic rifle to Malema. Both individuals face charges related to the violation of the Firearms Controls Act and have pleaded not guilty.
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Malema accuses magistrate of being late
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Malema launched a scathing attack on Magistrate Twanett Olivier, accusing her of disrespecting the court by consistently arriving late. This outburst occurred an hour after the court failed to start proceedings, which were scheduled for 11:00 due to load shedding. Olivier was not present during Malema’s tirade.
The Response
When Magistrate Olivier arrived in court, she denied Malema’s accusations of habitual tardiness. She informed the court that she had been waiting for the defense attorneys to join her and prosecutor advocate Joel Cesar in her chambers, as she had requested this meeting.
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The Defense’s Stance
Advocate Shane Matthews, representing Snyman, stated that they chose not to honor Olivier’s request as they wanted all discussions to be made on record before the court. The content of these proposed discussions remains unclear.
Upcoming Proceedings
The State is expected to call upon the investigating officer in the case, Colonel Rodney Swartbooi, and ballistics expert Colonel Mandisi Mgwadleka to testify next.
Watch the video as Malema accuses magistrate of being late below:
Background Information
This case stems from an incident that occurred at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium during the EFF’s 5th-anniversary celebration in September 2023. It was reported that Malema allegedly discharged a firearm at this event.