East London – October 30, 2024
The East London Regional Court has postponed the case against Julius Malema, 43, and security company director Adriaan Snyman, to December 9, 2024, due to the presiding Magistrate Twanet Olivier’s illness. The decision was reached in chambers with the agreement of both the state and defense, without the accused or their legal teams being present.
The court was originally set to hear closing arguments for the case, which involves charges against Malema and Snyman for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precautions, and reckless endangerment to persons or property. The charges stem from an incident at an EFF rally in Mdantsane in 2018, where Malema allegedly fired a firearm linked to a company headed by Snyman.
The prosecution presented its case last year, including evidence from 19 witnesses. Following this, Malema and Snyman applied for discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which the court denied. In June 2024, Snyman’s defense called on two expert witnesses in firearms control and forensic ballistics, while Malema took the stand on his own behalf. State Advocate Joel Cesar cross-examined all witnesses, concluding the defense’s presentation of evidence.
Both the defense and prosecution were expected to submit written arguments in preparation for the next court date.
