Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema were found and his former security boss and co-accused, Adriaan Snyman was found not guilty.
The East London Magistrate’s Court handed down its judgment on Wednesday, 1 October, following lengthy proceedings.
NUMEROUS CHARGES
Malema faced multiple charges, including the unlawful discharge of a firearm and endangering lives. The EFF, however, dismissed the case as “politically and racially motivated.” Snyman was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The incident took place during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in July 2018.
SECOND LEGAL BLOW
This marks Malema’s second legal setback in as many months. On Wednesday, 27 August, the Equality Court in Cape Town found him guilty of hate speech over remarks he made in 2022 during a protest at Brackenfell High School. The EFF has since indicated its intention to appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The case was initiated after the South African Human Rights Commission lodged complaints relating to an incident at the school in 2020, when parents clashed with EFF members.
