Latest news with #EconomicFreedomFighters
The South African
2 days ago
- 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.
The South African
3 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
WATCH: Julius Malema returns to court for firearm discharge case
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, will return to the East London Magistrate's Court in the Eastern Cape for closing arguments in their public firearm discharge case. Initially, the closing arguments were set for December 2024; however, the matter was postponed as the magistrate fell ill and will now take place on Monday, 21 July. As previously reported, in a video that was widely circulated on social media, EFF leaders could be seen dancing and singing on the stage and then Malema allegedly is seen firing the rifle into the air before he hands it over to his bodyguard Adriaan Snyman. Thereafter, Malema give's EFF then-chairman Dali Mpofu a high five. Roughly one month after the shooting incident, Malema denied ever having discharged a firearm. Having an explanation for video footage, he said the sounds of gunshots happened to coincide with fireworks. Julius Malema and security company director 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. Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The firearm that Malema allegedly fired at an EFF rally in Mdantsane in 2018 belongs to a company where Synman is the director. 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.
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Closing arguments due in Malema's firearm discharge case
JOHANNESBURG - 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. READ: Malema's bodyguard calls on gun expert as first witness in duo's firearm discharge trial 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.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Mitchells Plain community rallies against gang violence and police inaction
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) marched with PAGAD G-FORCE against gangsterism in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain. Image: Supplied/ EFF Community members, political activists, and anti-crime groups gathered in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain on Friday in a demonstration aimed at confronting drug and gang activity in the area. The protest, led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad G-Force), lasted several hours and was marked by tense confrontations between demonstrators, gang members, and law enforcement. According to EFF Western Cape representatives, the protest was organised in response to calls from the Eastridge community concerned about the persistent presence of drug dens and gang violence. The party extended invitations to various faith-based and political organisations, but only Pagad G-Force joined the demonstration. Protesters moved through several locations identified by residents as suspected drug hotspots. During the operation, gang members allegedly confronted the demonstrators. In one instance, a South African Police Service (SAPS) certificate was reportedly found inside a raided property and was confiscated by police officers. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The EFF expressed disappointment with the conduct of SAPS officers who were present during the demonstration, alleging that police officials refused to arrest self-identified gang members despite on-site confrontations. The EFF claimed that some officers insisted it was not illegal to be a gang member, despite the provisions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The Act, under Section 11, criminalises participation in or benefiting from the activities of a criminal gang and provides criteria for identifying gang membership. Protesters say these provisions were ignored, even after some gang-affiliated individuals openly identified themselves to police officers and demonstrators. Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that Public Order Policing officers were present at the scene to monitor the situation. 'This office can confirm that police members of Public Order Policing were present on Friday 18 July in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain. Confrontation erupted when gang members clashed with protesters. The police members intervened and took action to disperse the crowds,' he said. Swartbooi further said no cases were registered and no suspects were arrested. The protestors also raised concerns about the safety of residents who fear retaliation from gangs if seen participating in anti-gang activity. The EFF said they would continue to conduct similar community-led initiatives across the province, calling for more direct action from police and government. They criticised both national and provincial authorities for not taking meaningful steps to address the root causes of gang violence on the Cape Flats. 'The prevalence of crime and gangsterism in Mitchells Plain is well documented, with parts of the Cape Flats consistently ranking among the country's highest in terms of murder rates. Despite this, residents say they have not seen any tangible improvement in law enforcement or safety on the ground,' said the EFF. The groups maintain that further demonstrations will be organised as part of an ongoing campaign to create safer environments, especially for children and vulnerable residents affected by gang-related crime.
The South African
6 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Malema magic helps retain prized ward in Limpopo by-election
There is nothing but love between the people of Polokwane's Ward 13 and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. Malema's presence in his hometown of Seshego is believed to have played a key role in the recent by-election victory of EFF councillor Mongatane Ramaphoko. This win means the Red Berets have successfully retained the seat they secured during the 2021 Local Government Elections. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officially announced the results of the by-election held on Wednesday, 16 July. The EFF secured Ward 13 with 57.34% of the vote, defeating both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). The party stated that the victory reaffirmed the community's unwavering confidence in its leadership. In a tweet, the EFF described the win as a testament to the trust residents place in the party to represent their struggles and drive meaningful change at grassroots level. The political party shared a video of its members of parliament (MPs) celebrating the victory with the caption: 'MPs celebrated the decisive victory in Ward 13, a clear indication that our people are pleased with the EFF-led government.' The party also added that winning Ward 13 is the first step to running Polokwane. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
