Closing arguments due in Malema’s firearm discharge case

Malema is accused of firing a gun on stage at a rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, 2018.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is expected back at the East London Magistrates Court, where closing arguments will be heard in his firearm discharge trial.

Malema is accused of firing a gun on stage at a rally at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, 2018.

His security official, Adriaan Snyman, is accused of giving him the alleged weapon and will also be back in the dock with Malema on Monday morning.

The pair faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening the Firearms Control Act.

The closing arguments were initially set down for the end of 2024 but proceedings in the long-running trial hit a snag when the magistrate in the matter fell ill.

Previously, the defence led the evidence of two expert witnesses in firearms control and forensic ballistics for Snyman.

Malema testified in his own defence.

This is what Malema had to say when he took to the stand a year ago.

“My DNA is not found on that weapon, my house was never searched, my workplace was never searched looking for that weapon, I was never questioned about that weapon. I must come to this court and answer for weapons that cannot not be brought anywhere close to my skin or to me.”

While Malema believes the State is clutching at straws, prosecutors believe they’ve made their case.