Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been found guilty of violating the country’s Firearms Control Act after discharging a firearm during a public rally in 2018.
The East London Magistrate’s Court delivered the ruling following a protracted trial that drew national and international attention.
The incident occurred during the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebration at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where viral footage captured Malema receiving what appeared to be a rifle from his then-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, and firing it into the air before a cheering crowd.
Malema’s legal team argued that the weapon was a toy prop used for dramatic effect. However, Magistrate Twanet Olivier rejected the claim, citing compelling visual evidence and corroborating witness testimonies that proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
She emphasized the reliability of the state’s witnesses, noting no indication of bias in their accounts.
Adriaan Snyman, who handed Malema the weapon, was also charged for unlawfully providing the firearm and faces additional counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The conviction marks the end of a years-long legal process stemming from the high-profile incident. Sentencing details are expected to be announced in due course.
