• EFF commander-in-chief Julias Malema is set to learn his fate as his gun discharge case draws to a close
• The case hit a snag when it was postponed to December 9 due to health problems reported by the magistrate.
• The politician is charged alongside a second defendant, Adriaan Snyman, director of a security company.

EAST LONDON — The firearms discharge case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been postponed as final arguments were due to be heard.

The East London Magistrate Court postponed the case as closing arguments were scheduled to be heard on Friday, November 1, 2024. After the defense finished its closing argument last year, it was the prosecution’s turn to present its closing remarks.

The Malema affair postponed almost until its end

Malema, who faces a slew of charges related to the 2018 gun discharge in a EFF at a public rally in Mdantsane, continually denied his guilt, saying the gun was not real.

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The politician, charged alongside a second defendant, security Company Director Adriaan Snyman faces discharge of a firearm in public, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless endangerment of person or property and failure to take reasonable precautions towards the person or property.

Although Malema fired this weapon, it allegedly belonged to Snyman’s company. The state had called 19 witnesses to testify against the two men at trial before closing arguments.

Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, regional spokesperson, said the delay was because the presiding magistrate was ill.

“Magistrate Twanet Olivier, due to his state of health, delayed the case in agreement with the prosecution. And this without Malema, Snyman and their defense,” Tyali said.

“The defense presented evidence from two experts in gun control and forensic ballistics for Snyman. Malema (chose to) take the stand in his defense.”

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A new date of December 9 has been set for final arguments.

Source: In brief news