Latest news with #EastLondonRegionalCourt
The South African
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Guilty or not guilty? Malema will know his fate in gun case on this date
The East London Regional Court has postponed the public firearm discharge case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, to 29 September 2025 for judgement. On Monday, 21 July, both the state and the defence submitted their closing arguments on the merits of the case. As previously reported, and his security official, Adriaan Snyman are charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area, failure to take reasonable precaution to person or property, and reckless endangerment to person or property. The charges emanate from the party's 5th anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape where Malema could be seen dancing and singing on the stage. Thereafter, he allegedly is seen firing the rifle into the air before he hands it over to Snyman. Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to all charges. In 2024, the prosecution closed its case, having led the evidence of 19 witnesses. On the other hand, the defence led the evidence of two expert witnesses, in firearms control and forensic ballistics, for Snyman. Malema took the stand in his defence. All the witnesses were cross-examined by Advocate Joel Cesar, for the state. NPA spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali, said that based on the evidence and arguments meticulously presented by the prosecution, he believes that the NPA has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and hopes that the magistrate will convict the accused. In contrast, Malema's lawyer, advocate Laurence Hodes, insists that the state's case lacks real evidence. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- IOL News
Eastern Cape doctor fined R500 000 for defrauding SARS R1. 8 million in tax invasion
Dr Kurunalingam Chetty was sentenced in the East London Regional Court for under-declaring income between 2015 and 2018. Kurunalingam Chetty, a 54-year-old medical doctor from East London, was sentenced by the East London Regional Court for contravening the Tax Administration Act and ordered to pay R500,000 for defrauding SARS R1.8 million. Chetty, who was sentenced on Tuesday, was ordered to pay a R500,000 fine and handed a 10-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years, on the condition that he is not convicted of fraud, theft, or tax evasion during that period. If he fails to pay the fine, he will serve five years in prison. Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said Chetty's sentencing followed his arrest in 2023 by the collaboration efforts of the East London Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, South African Revenue Services (SARS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 'During the period between 2015 and 2018, Chetty intentionally and unlawfully under-disclosed his income to SARS.' 'SARS picked up discrepancies and thus lodged a complaint with the Hawks for an investigation.' Mhlakuvana said investigations confirmed that SARS was actually prejudiced cash of more than R1.8 million. Chetty was arrested in 2023, appeared in court on the same day of his arrest, where he was granted R10 000 bail. He made numerous court appearances until his sentencing by the East London Regional Court on 13 May 13, 2025. Mhlakuvana said in addition to the suspended sentence, the court ordered him to pay R500,000. 'Moreover, Chetty was further sentenced to pay a fine of R500,000 and in default of payment, he would undergo five years imprisonment.' He was also ordered to immediately pay R50 000, of which the remaining R450 000 was deferred over the period of 18 months in instalments of R25 000. IOL News
eNCA
25-04-2025
- eNCA
Enyobeni Tavern video footage at centre of probe
EAST LONDON - Tavern co-owner, Siyakhangela Ndevu, has accused witnesses testifying at the Enyobeni Tavern Inquest, of trying to make him the scapegoat for the deaths of 21 youngsters in June 2022. Ndevu has questioned why video footage used in the East London Regional Court sitting in Mdantsane, has been selectively used in court to blame him and his wife, Vuyokazi Ndevu, for the deaths. Ndevu argues some of the witnesses were out drinking elsewhere before arriving at his venue much later. He's always alleged the dead may have been poisoned from drinking at another venue before collapsing and dying at his tavern. However, Mkhonqo, who was 16 at the time, told the court she and her friends had arrived a lot earlier and were served alcohol without their ages being questioned. Court was adjourned until Friday for video footage requested by Ndevu to be made available.
